Systematically training to muscular failure is not superior to submaximal training for promoting muscle growth and could even hinder recovery or optimal progression.

noli's read

Scientific literature, notably a major meta-analysis published in 'Sports Medicine' (Grgic et al.), confirms that training to failure is not strictly necessary for hypertrophy, provided that training volume is equated. Although failure can be a useful tool for recruiting motor units at the end of a set, evidence suggests that the systemic fatigue accumulation it generates may limit the quality of subsequent sessions. The idea that failure is indispensable is therefore widely considered an exaggeration in the sports community, as the induced metabolic stress must be balanced by sufficient recovery capacity. It is important to note, however, that comparative studies, such as the one discussed here, sometimes present methodological limitations (restricted sample size, confounding variables like added cardio), which makes the conclusions nuanced. The community generally agrees that failure is not the absolute key to growth, while debating the practicality of submaximal methods.

the sources

1. 1Schoenfeld BJ, Grgic J, Krieger JW 2019
2. 2Schoenfeld BJ, Ogborn D, Krieger JW 2016
3. 3r/AdvancedFitness