The Psychology Behind Training Till Failure

Introduction:

For most gym goers, muscle gains and becoming strong is everything. Various training methods can help a person gain muscle, but for some people doing a certain number of reps or sets isn't enough for them. This lead to the creation of training till failure. But what makes this method different from others? What exactly makes people want to use this method? In this article we dive into the psychology behind training till failure and how it can negatively affect a person’s physical and mental health.

What is training till failure?

Typically, training till failure involves performing an exercise repeatedly until reaching a point of momentary muscle failure. In principle, this approach is beneficial for promoting muscle growth and strength development, as it pushes the body to its limits.

What are the benefits of training till failure?

When executed properly, training to failure proves effective in building muscle mass and strength. This approach induces increased breakdown of muscle fibers, prompting the muscles to undergo repair and growth, resulting in enhanced size and strength. Beyond the physical benefits, training till failure contributes to the development of mental resilience. Additionally, completing challenging workouts and witnessing noticeable gains can instill a sense of accomplishment, serving as a motivating factor for individuals..

What are the downsides to training till failure?

Training till failure has some drawbacks, even though it can be helpful. One big issue is that it can make you excessively fatigued and burnt out. If you keep pushing yourself too hard without taking enough breaks, you might get tired, perform worse, and have a higher chance of getting hurt. It's not just physical – it can also make you mentally tired, making it harder to stay motivated and enjoy your workouts. This intense type of training might not be suitable for everyone, especially if you're a beginner or have certain health issues. It could lead to significant muscle soreness, slow progress, and even affect your overall well-being negatively. Getting too fixated on always pushing yourself to the limit can create an unhealthy mindset by setting unrealistic expectations and increasing the risk of stress and anxiety related to exercise. Therefore, it's important to find a balance that fits your fitness level, goals, and recovery needs to avoid the potential downsides of training till failure.

Conclusion:

Training till failure is a workout strategy rooted in the psychology of pushing physical and mental limits. From a psychological perspective, training to failure taps into the concept of perceived effort and mental resilience. It challenges individuals to confront and override their perceived limitations, fostering mental toughness and instilling a sense of accomplishment. Pushing through the discomfort and fatigue associated with training till failure can boost self-confidence and mental resilience, but also bears the risk of inducing stress and decreasing motivation heading into workouts. While this approach can be effective for building strength and endurance, it is essential to balance it with considerations for recovery and injury prevention to maintain a sustainable and healthy training routine. Training till failure isn’t recommended for those just starting to lift as it can cause muscle damage if not done properly.

Sources:

Kassel, Gabrielle. “Lifting Weights to Failure Can Help Build Muscle Fast but Strength Coaches Say It’s Not Recommended for Everyone.” Business Insider, Business Insider, www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/fitness/lift-weights-to-failure. Accessed 20 Feb. 2024.

Rob Erskine Associate Professor in Neuromuscular Physiology, and Gerard McMahon Lecturer of Exercise Physiology. “‘Training to Failure’: Debunking Claims This Popular Weightlifting Technique Is the Most Effective for Building Muscle and Strength.” The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2023, theconversation.com/training-to-failure-debunking-claims-this-popular-weightlifting-technique-is-the-most-effective-for-building-muscle-and-strength-173872.