Okay, I've read everywhere the the proper weight for a particular exercise should be one that causes near failure before 8 reps or so.

What I haven't been clear on yet (and can see conflicting informations) is whether that is the last set, or for an individual set?

As in, should I pick a weight that causes failure every 8 reps (every set) or a weight that causes failure in the last 8 reps of the 4 sets?

That 8 reps thing is not set in stone for all exercises, it varies depending on goals.

When I do, say 5 sets, the first 1 or 2 won't be too bad. Set 3 will get harder, 4 will be just bareable, but 5 will be almost impossible to do in good form, for the amount of reps I wish to do.

I wouldn't aim to fail on every single set, let alone every workout.

That 8 reps thing is not set in stone for all exercises, it varies depending on goals.


Yeah, I was just using it as an example :tu:


I wouldn't aim to fail on every single set, let alone every workout.

Thats a relief!

Okay, I've read everywhere the the proper weight for a particular exercise should be one that causes near failure before 8 reps or so.

You say you read "everywhere", but I've done endless reading on weight training over the years and never once have I come across that assertion.

I must request you no longer use wherever you read that as a source of information. It's wrong.

What I haven't been clear on yet (and can see conflicting informations) is whether that is the last set, or for an individual set?

It's irrelevant, because your initial theory is incorrect. There are an infinite number of ways to lift weights.

As in, should I pick a weight that causes failure every 8 reps (every set) or a weight that causes failure in the last 8 reps of the 4 sets?

Again... :p

Here is a good resource for set/rep ranges with rationale:

The Set/Rep Bible (http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-091-training)

:tu:

Here is a good resource for set/rep ranges with rationale:

The Set/Rep Bible (http://www.t-nation.com/findArticle.do?article=05-091-training)

:tu:
:nod: