The Claim

Training to momentary failure (0–3 or 0 RIR) in trained men is associated with higher dropout rates and protocol deviations, indicating reduced training adherence and feasibility in long-term resistance programs.

Source: The Effect of Resistance Training Proximity to Failure on Muscular Adaptations and Longitudinal Fatigue in Trained Men

What the research says

Supports is higher

Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.

Supports
63score
Challenges
0score

These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.

Correlation
1 study reviewed
In plain English

In trained men, lifting weights until complete muscle fatigue leads to more people quitting and failing to follow the program correctly, resulting in lower long-term adherence and practicality.

See the scientific wording

Training to momentary failure (0–3 or 0 RIR) in trained men is associated with higher dropout rates and protocol deviations, suggesting that this approach may reduce training adherence and feasibility in long-term resistance programs.

Why this might work

Pushing muscles to complete exhaustion causes intense nerve and muscle signals that the brain interprets as extreme discomfort, making a person less willing to keep going in future workouts.

Supported mechanismbased on 1 study

What the research says

1 study
  1. Study: The Effect of Resistance Training Proximity to Failure on Muscular Adaptations and Longitudinal Fatigue in Trained Men

    People who pushed every set to total exhaustion had a harder time sticking to the workout plan and didn’t get as strong as those who stopped a few reps short. This suggests going all-out might make people quit more often.

Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies

Fit Body Science verdict — we translate health claims into clear verdicts backed by peer-reviewed research.

Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.