Leave two reps in reserve

Physical Activity and Sport · Intermediate

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Train close to the limit without reaching failure: it decides what each set is worth.

Micro-habits to get started

Small actions of a few minutes to start this habit:

Estimate before stopping

As the set ends, ask how many more reps you could have done.

Two or three in reserve is the right zone for most of your work.
1 min
Add load if there is slack

If four or more are left, the weight is too light: raise it next time.

1 min
Calibrate once a month

On a safe exercise, take one set to technical failure and compare with your prediction.

Almost everyone is one or two reps further from the limit than they think.
5 min