Firstly, 'failure' can be a difficult moment to define in the gym. Failure to physically move the weight? Or failure to move the weight in the manor we want to?
However, Reps in reserve (RIR) is a tool we can use to measure proximity to failure of a muscle during a given set.
In this video I have a firm 0 RIR - but should we always train to failure in this way?
In short, there is a time and a place for training in this way and when we work with clients we choose when to push them here carefully.
Largely it comes down to the challenge we're presenting/the exercise we're doing and your training experience.
Strength is a skill and therefore pushing a movement to failure may depend on the person we're working with.
For people who are less trained we tend to push exercises with a high degree of stability a little harder.
Using machinery for example, will be a much safer place to push yourself to 'failure.
Pushing a Barbell Back Squat to complete muscular failure probably isn't a smart idea for most!
However a Chest Press Machine like the one I'm using may present a safer place to do so.
Food for though!
For other tips on strength training check out our other posts below:
TOP 3 MUSCLE BUILDING TIPS: https://jackknightpt.rocketspark.co.uk/blog/post/21902/our-top-3-muscle-building-tips-grow-lean-muscle-quickly/
MOVE PAIN FREE - https://jackknightpt.rocketspark.co.uk/blog/post/13173/move-pain-free/
TIME SAVING TRAINING - https://jackknightpt.rocketspark.co.uk/blog/post/15953/time-saving-training/