23/05/2026
NEW research shows muscle growth can occur across a wide rep range, provided sets are taken reasonably close to failure.
One of the most cited papers on this is:
Brad Schoenfeld et al. (2017)
“Strength and Hypertrophy Adaptations Between Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training”
The study found:
* heavier loads produced greater strength gains
* both lighter and heavier loads could build muscle when effort was sufficiently high.
Another foundational reference is:
American College of Sports Medicine, which outlines common loading and rep recommendations for strength, hypertrophy, and endurance. Low Reps & Heavy Weight vs High Reps & Lighter Weight.
In essence: If the weight is too easy, your body has little reason to adapt.
If it’s too heavy, your form and control usually break down. (This is one of the BIGGEST thibgs that I see in the gym that makes me cringe!)
A good set should feel challenging by the final few reps while still maintaining good technique.
That’s why two people can do the exact same exercise… but get completely different results.
Research supports the idea that different rep ranges produce different adaptations depending on the goal and training intensity.