Even though one method uses lighter weights with pauses and more reps, and the other uses heavier weights with fewer reps, both make the muscles equally tired in terms of lactic acid buildup.

When trained men do different types of strength exercises, their muscles produce more lactate (a sign of effort), and it peaks at similar high levels after ten sets, showing their bodies respond the same way to all the workouts.

When trained men do certain types of weightlifting workouts, their bodies produce more lactic acid compared to other workout styles, which means their muscles are working harder and under more stress.

When men who already lift weights do lots of reps with lighter weights, their muscles produce more lactic acid buildup than when they lift heavy weights for fewer reps, both right away and after two months of training.

Taking less rest between sets of weightlifting makes your body work harder, raises your heart rate, makes your muscles burn more lactic acid, and feels much more exhausting.

Even though you do more reps and keep your muscles under tension longer with the pause method, your body doesn’t produce more lactic acid or muscle damage markers — meaning intensity matters more than total reps.