How many reps to failure?

Reps, to failure.?That is when you complete a movement (I am partial to the bicep curl) until you cannot squeeze another out.??My coach always reminded me that it was implied (even if not explicitly stated) that it really meant to do as many reps as possible with the proper form, until you could no longer maintain that form.???There is a big difference.?

Of course, it depends on what you’re working towards.?In powerlifting, training was about building capacity – and cueing my central nervous system to the rhythm of a proper squat or bench-press or… whatever movement.??So repetitions without proper form would only serve to make me practiced at … using bad form.?Practicing doing something the wrong way doesn’t seem like a strategy for success.?

I think the same is true at work.?It’s absolutely OK to push to fatigue.??It's even OK to push through it.?There are times when it very well might be a right thing to do.?However, if you’re grinding it out, thinking that working till failure is a way of growth …. Then I invite you to think of it this way, for a moment, instead.?

You are practicing doing something sub-optimally.??And just maybe, doing something poorly is not something you want to get good at.???

Better, I think, is to grow endurance through healthy cycles of work, play and rest.?To consider endurance NOT as a goal into itself, but an avenue to access the best of life. Whether for you that is time with family, or leisure, education, or art, or contributions to community, or business, or a myriad of other ways….

The next time you’re tempted to push through, reflect on how this practice serves you and your values and goals. Great if it does! Sometimes; me too.?It is just worth checking in on it intentionally, to prevent it from being an exercise getting really good at being really tired.??