Muscle Failure vs. Pain Induced Failure

[Aliendogstar]

Interesting quick read from Derek Poundstone on difference between muscle failure and pain induced failure. I know I have been guilty of this....stopping due to pain. I work with a trainer who won't stop until I truly achieve muscle failure. I rarely push myself this hard on my own....hence the many years of plateau. Nothing ground breaking here but it's nice to see it in application as opposed to just a recommendation. Anyway, I'd be interested in the techniques you've applied to up your pain threshold to truly achieve muscle failure.

It's a link to a PDF on his site

**broken link removed**

 

[Wesley Inman]

I for one believe in this principle 100%...

It was much easier to experience when crossing over from bodybuilding to strongman. Your body is capable of much more then you may think and give it credit for.

In a contest, 99% of my failures is mental. Sometimes events are so heavy I put the weight back down and literally say f this. But that's why it's good to have a solid crew backing you up and pushing you past what you may think you can't do at that moment, but really can.

 

[Kaladryn]

No one reaches true "failure," it is always a mental failure, there is always another level of intensity that could have done one more rep- probably several more- always.

 

[maxwkw]

If that were true, no one would ever tear a muscle, blow out tendons, or miss a lift.

There absolutely is muscle failure.

Do most people get there? No, most don't. But there are limitations to physical ability.