How well people guess reps left in weight training
Factors influencing the accuracy of the repetition in reserve scale in resistance training: a systematic review
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Practical Takeaways
Use RIR scale primarily when training close to failure with heavier loads for better accuracy.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Practical Takeaways
Use RIR scale primarily when training close to failure with heavier loads for better accuracy.
Publication
Journal
Physical Therapy Reviews
Year
2025
Authors
Filipe Russo, Priscila Marconcin, Diana Gomes, M. Peralta, F. Flôres, Nuno Casanova
Related Content
Claims (4)
People aren't very good at guessing how close they are to muscle failure when doing many reps of weightlifting.
When people lift lighter weights compared to their max, it's harder for them to accurately guess how many more reps they could do, making it less reliable than when lifting heavier weights.
When people lift weights until they're almost too tired to continue, especially with arm exercises, they get better at guessing how many more reps they could do. It's like training your body to feel its limits more accurately.
When people do more reps in a row during weight training, they become worse at guessing how many more reps they could do. This means longer sets make it harder to judge your own effort accurately.