Failure?

[Captain Crunch]

I just want to get some clarification on what "failure" is. For instance I am currently finishing my 5's and have had to cluster sets in order to meet my total rep count which is 15. I can usually get the first set of 5 out alright but then it seems that I get a set of 4 and then a few sets of 3. Each of these sets I am getting a full repetition in on my last rep but sometimes it is very slow getting it done. Is this failure or do I have to completely miss on my rep to consider it failure?

I just want to make sure that I am not overdoing it with the effort I am putting forth on the last rep. I feel good and I am seeing results like I have not seen in any weight program I have done before and this is only my first cycle. As some of you may be aware I am also a cyclist who is riding 3 times a week for a few hours and so far have not noticed it hindering my growth or strength. What I have noticed is that my grocery bill is going to put me in the poor house.

 

[savagebeast]

Concentric failure is when you absolutely cannot complete a rep. When someone speaks of failure, they usually mean concentric failure, not eccentric failure. If you're doing something like bench or squat, failure is when your spotter has to intervene and save your (buttocks).

The general recommendation for HST is to end your set a rep or two short of failure. From what you said, it sounds like you're going a little past this point. That's fine, IMO, as long as you can handle it. And since you're feeling good and seeing results like you've never seen before while still cycling 3 times a week, it sounds like you're handling it just fine.

Keep doing what you're doing. After all, if it aint broke...