@Dr.WW: A recent study (PMID: 38970765) analyzing 55 studies and 243 effects looked at the dose-response relationship between proximity to failure, strength gains, and muscle hypertrophy. The findings showed important distinctions between training outcomes: - For Strength: Gains remained similar across all rep ranges, indicating that training closer to failure is not necessary for improving maximal strength. Instead, heavier loads were a stronger determinant of strength improvements. - For Muscle Growth: Training closer to failure consistently enhanced muscle growth, with sets ending closer to failure leading to greater muscle size increases. The results suggest that mechanical tension and fatigue accumulation are crucial drivers of muscle hypertrophy. Considerations: - Training to failure isn’t required for strength (it also is more likely to expose one to injury). Progressive overload and heavier loads may be more influential. - Muscle hypertrophy benefits from high effort, but not necessarily failure every set. A balance of fatigue management and volume is important. - Proximity to failure was estimated via repetitions in reserve, introducing variability across studies. Additionally, training status, exercise selection, and individual recovery were not fully controlled. - The exact repetition relationship between training close to failure and strength gain remains unclear. Strength athletes should prioritize load over reaching failure, while those focused on hypertrophy may benefit from higher-effort sets close to failure but, again, fatigue management remains important.