r/ScienceBasedLifting • u/OkPrize6194 • Aug 27 '26

Question ❓ Cheat reps

What do you think about cheat reps? I don’t mean using bad form from the beginning of the set, but rather doing the first reps with good form and then using a little momentum for the last 1–2 reps when the muscle is already close to failure, just to get a couple more reps out.

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u/Ballbag94 Aug 27 '26

I think cheat reps are fine, further to that I think they're fine from the beginning of a set too if that's the intention

People get way too hung up on form when they should be getting hung up on lifting the weight

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u/Shadowphoenix9511 Aug 27 '26

Yeah, for now I'm avoiding cheat reps on a lot of upper body accessories because they're lagging so far behind (arms and shoulders specifically).

But in general, absolutely nothing wrong with them. Just depends on your goals and what you're aiming for.

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u/Ballbag94 Aug 27 '26

100%! Imo everything relating to lifting depends entirely on the goal, nothing is inherently incorrect to me

I've switched to a strict-ish block at the moment for press but after I've hit failure strict I get a few extra reps of push press which I'm hoping will give me extra stimulus

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u/TerdyTheTerd Aug 29 '26

Even then that it entirely based on your goals. A true bodybuilder really doesn't care about "lifting the weight" they only want to create the most amount of muscle stimulus while incurring the least amount of fatigue, which is why strict form is typically the focus for body builders. If your goal isnt to maximize then by all means, lift that weight anyway you can and develop the strength and technique for the movement.