A recent bachelor’s thesis in Sports Science at the University of Padua, conducted by Francesco De Anna under the supervision of his professor Fabio Zonin, StrongFirst Certified Master Instructor, examined the effects of strength training to failure or not. After reviewing multiple scientific studies comparing the two, the conclusion was clear: training to failure does not produce greater strength gains. Worse, training to failure leads to a much greater fatigue, both neuromuscular and metabolic, with several consequences: Reduced movement quality and higher injury risk Reduced training frequency and total work capacity over time Loss of focus and energy for athletes who must perform in their main sport And it’s simply unsustainable for those who must always be ready for action, such as first responders—or for everyday people with families, jobs, and busy lives.
(If you would like references, we posted them on the StrongFirst forum.) Pushing to failure isn’t commitment—it’s waste. Stopping a set early, as we do at StrongFirst, is what separates an amateur from a professional. We accumulate strength instead of spending it. If you want to explore this topic further—and dive deeper into the science and practice of strength training—join us in Cesena, Italy, for two unique events that embody StrongFirst’s principles of strength, skill, and longevity. | 
