Why You Shouldn’t Train Every Set to Failure

Ravi Deol
Aug 19
2 min read

Updated: 9 hours ago

When it comes to strength and conditioning training for boxing and team sports, many athletes think the secret to progress is pushing every set to failure. While that might sound good for muscle gains but it’s not always the smartest approach if your goal is peak performance in the ring or on the field.

Here’s why:

You need energy for your sport. Not Just in the gym

lifting weights to look good but performing in your chosen sport. For us at RJ Boxing S & C our sport is the one and only Boxing. If you’re gassed from your last strength session, how sharp do you think you’ll be during sparring, practice, or competition? Training in a way that leaves you with something in the tank means you can recover faster and bring more to your sport so this is why we utilize 2-3 reps in reserve.

Technique and Speed Matter

In boxing and team sports, poor technique gets you injured and gives you muscle imbalances overtime. Going till failure might give you a pump but it doesn’t make you faster, more explosive, or more resilient. Stopping at the right time means you keep quality high and build strength that actually transfers to performance.

🔥 If you want to know exactly how to structure your strength training so you can be stronger, sharper, and more explosive without burning out, I’ve put together a free downloadable program you can start using today but also get your roadwork in.

👊🏾 Join our community, connect with other athletes, and let’s keep building together.

#strengthandconditioning #sportsperformance

Do you train 2-3 reps in reserve?