Control vs Failure

[Keylan]

If it isn't possible to have a spotter at all times is it better to train each rep with complete control or should you train to failure?

 

[Built]

Why would you WANT to train to failure?

As an occasional thing, okay, but it's not something I'd aim for.

 

[Gazhole]

Failure is bad, train to succeed instead!

 

[Ben dur]

i train to near failure

but i control the weight at all times...

 

[largepkg]

I know this is a controversial topic but I tend to train to failure on every working set. Although my volume is on the low side so this is probably how I get away with it.

 

[Ngordyn]

i don't train to failure on every set i hit 12 reps and stop , then increase the weight by third set i only do about 4-6 but i don't have a spotter force a few more out of me

 

[Arnold]

you should always train with control otherwise you risk injury.

training to failure is a tool to be used occasionally, not every set.

 

[Merkaba]

"Stimulate, Not Annihilate"

 

[bigback51]

As hard and long as I like to train, I do agree that training to failure, has no real upside, plus you run the risk of serious injury, and who needs that.
I think you can emphasize intensity, and control, and absolutely train like a BARBARIAN, and at the same time, achieve your set/rep goals, and not train to failure.
Big Back 51

 

[Keylan]

ok. thanks guys. now i won't feel embarassed when im curling 15's while grandma cutler is doin 20's

 

[Packard]

From a strictly mental aspect, training to failure is a bad idea.

If you come to accept the notion that your spotter will assist you on the last rep, you will actually quit before your body needs to.

When I benched heavy I always asked my spotter to step back from the bar and out of my field of view. He would only be one step from position. (When I went really heavy I had 2 spotters; one on each end of the bar.) This accomplishes two things: 1. If he is all sweaty it keeps the sweat from falling into your eyes while lifting (this has happened to me). and 2. It makes you psychologically independent. You have to finish the lift or you are in trouble.

Additionally I always instructed my spotter thus: If I need help, I'll say, "take it" at that point I will have nothing left so just haul it up--I don't work out the last rep. Don't touch the bar or step up to the bar if I am struggling unless I say, "Take it".

 

[Fezz]

Agreed with everyone here,
I perform the same as Ngordyn though.
Everyone has their own unique way of training, failure or not - whatever best suits them.

 

[T_man]

I didnt work to failure today and I felt fresh as a breeze after and felt I accomplished just as much as if I went to failure. Besides if you go to failure, form is compromised and you might not be working the muscle as well as you could otherwise. Going to failure on every set also makes you more fatigued and the following sets' quality is further decreased by each set's failure

 

[largepkg]

From a strictly mental aspect, training to failure is a bad idea.

If you come to accept the notion that your spotter will assist you on the last rep, you will actually quit before your body needs to.

When I benched heavy I always asked my spotter to step back from the bar and out of my field of view. He would only be one step from position. (When I went really heavy I had 2 spotters; one on each end of the bar.) This accomplishes two things: 1. If he is all sweaty it keeps the sweat from falling into your eyes while lifting (this has happened to me). and 2. It makes you psychologically independent. You have to finish the lift or you are in trouble.

Additionally I always instructed my spotter thus: If I need help, I'll say, "take it" at that point I will have nothing left so just haul it up--I don't work out the last rep. Don't touch the bar or step up to the bar if I am struggling unless I say, "Take it".

I don't use a spotter and for the most part never have and I train to failure often.