Training to full muscle failure is a must for hypertrophy?

[mohdgame]

I am currently on 3 X 12, my question is, do I have to train all three sets to failure to get muscle growth?

I do train with the heaviest weights possible that will make me do 12 reps and I train every set to failure.

I am currently on periodization program, current microcycle ( three weeks) are (3 x 12) rest: 30 secs then the three weks after (4 x 8 ) w 1 min rest then ( 5x5) w 2 mins rest.

 

[JDid23]

no. Also, failure and strength gains don't go together too well.

 

[ExtraMile]

I never purposefully go to failure and I have gained over 60lbs of bodyweight since I started lifting in september 08...

 

[mohdgame]

I read that alot of people say that training to failure is a must like Mike Mentzer and Dorian Yates. Even Arnold. But I am no where near those guys as I consider myself a beginner. I have been training for 7 months only. I mean it is logical, bodybuilding is about tearing the muscle down and rebuilding it when going to home to rest. At the GYM you *kill* the muscle and go home and build it.

So wouldnt be logical that the best way to stress the muscle is to train it to its maximum? I mean, more stress means muscles will be forced to get bigger to accommodate that stress. Also if you notices on Ronnie's training DVD, he does 3 normal sets and one sets where he goes to failure.

 

[Andalite]

Powerlifters, Olympic Lifters, Strongmen and Strength Trainees do not intentionally go to failure on their big exercises because:
(a) It isn't worth the damage it does to your CNS
(b) You don't get points for failing a lift
(c) Injury potential increases

Having said that, training to failure on exercises such as Pull-ups, dumbbell presses, lunges, etc is fine because they don't wreak that much havoc on your CNS. It's hard to pass blanket statements on whether training to failure is ok or not because it all depends on the movement you are using. Going to failure on curls is very different when compared to failing at Deadlifts.

So choose the exercises to go to failure on wisely.

 

[Unit 2005]

Interesting question. There is no yes or no answer here. Its all a combination, if you take a typical bodybuilder who would pyramid up his weights, expecially on a compund lift. So on squats, if we do 5 sets of 12, 10, 10, 8, 6(set to failure)....which results in the best stimulus for grwoth? research points to the rep range 8-12 (this is bible to bbing) so which ever set you reach failure in that range will be the most productive. Building a routine based around this is wise. Mix it up though. Lee priest is famous for his 100 rep leg pressess (well 100 rep leg press, hack squat and extensions back to back!!!) and 10 minute static wall squats....works for his legs. Tom platz was another who would do similar things, 10 minute constant squatting. Variety is key!