Quick Q

[nate]

Do POwer lifters go to failure much

[DaRkAnGel]

Not unless by accident usually. Especially not on the big lifts they don't. Some people train differently but there is a general consensus on this.

[Dan C]

They'll fail because of selecting a weight that's too heavy, but typically don't "train until failure"

[fitricise]

J Appl Physiol. 2006 Jan 12; [Epub ahead of print]
DIFFERENTIAL EFFECTS OF STRENGTH TRAINING LEADING TO FAILURE VERSUS NOT TO FAILURE ON HORMONAL RESPONSES, STRENGTH AND MUSCLE POWER GAINS.

Izquierdo M, Ibanez J, Gonzalez-Badillo JJ, Hakkinen K, Ratamess NA, Kraemer WJ, French DN, Eslava J, Altadill A, Asiain X, Gorostiaga EM.

Studies, Research and Sport Medicine Center, Government of Navarra, Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.

The purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy of 11 weeks of resistance training to failure vs. non-failure, followed by an identical 5- week peaking period of maximal strength and power training for both groups as well as to examine the underlying physiological changes in basal circulating anabolic/catabolic hormones. Forty-two physically-active men were matched and then randomly assigned to either a training to failure (RF; n=14), non-failure (NRF; n=15) or control groups (C;n=13). Muscular and power testing and blood draws to determine basal hormonal concentrations were conducted before the initiation of training (T0), after 6 wk of training (T1), after 11 wk of training (T2), and after 16 wk of training (T3). Both RF and NRF resulted in similar gains in 1RM bench press (23% and 23%) and parallel squat (22% and 23%), muscle power output of the arm (27% and 28%) and leg extensor muscles (26% and 29%) and maximal number of repetitions performed during parallel squat (66% and 69%). RF group experienced larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press The peaking phase (T2 to T3) followed after NRF resulted in larger gains in muscle power output of the lower extremities, whereas after RF resulted in larger gains in the maximal number of repetitions performed during the bench press. Strength training leading to RF resulted in reductions in resting concentrations of IGF-1 and elevations in IGFBP-3, whereas NRF resulted in reduced resting cortisol concentrations and an elevation in resting serum total testosterone concentration. This investigation demonstrated a potential beneficial stimulus of NRF for improving strength and power, especially during the subsequent peaking training period, whereas performing sets to failure resulted in greater gains in local muscular endurance. Elevation in IGFBP-3 following resistance training may have been compensatory to accommodate the reduction in IGF-1 in order to preserve IGF availability.

PMID: 16410373

[Firehawk]

If you do a westside type routine, expect to fail at max attempts (like Dan summarized)...it is typical though the accessory lifts (other lifts done after the core lift) is done for higher reps to close to failure.

The thing I have learned in my time training with purely powerlifters (almost a year now) is that it's a great idea to change things up regularly so the body does not adjust. If you want to do a drop set to failure on occasion, and you find that it works for you, then do it.

I'm not one for studies when talking about weightlifting because different kinds of training work differently for different people. It really is about seeing what works for you over a long period of time, paying attention to your body, learning as much as you can, and remembering what worked well, what didn't, and trying new things out.

The best study is watching how your body reacts over a very long period of time to different stimuli, changing it up, and seeing if you can get better results. There's just too many variables as it is.

[Sarah]

Depending on where you are at in your powerlifting season and training, its always a good idea to switch things up a bit. I will generally train one week whre I will do everything until volitational fatigue, WITH GOOD FORM, and a spotter. Personaly, I find that the week that I go back to my "normal" routine I am stronger and feel better. It is, however, recommended by the ACSM that you do train until voliational fatigue. But as we all know, and you being a powerlifter, training is so individulaistic. Hit me back if you have any more questions or input, I love this stuff..
Sarah

[Firehawk]

Everyone is going to have their opinion. More times than not, especially for beginners, they'll all work to a degree.