For most muscle groups, how many repetitions to fatigue are recommended?

The recommendation of 8-12 repetitions to fatigue for most muscle groups is optimal for achieving a balance between building muscle strength and endurance. This repetition range is effective because it typically allows for sufficient resistance and intensity to induce muscular adaptations while also being achievable for most individuals.

This range is particularly popular in resistance training programs as it promotes hypertrophy, which is the increase in the size of muscle fibers. When performing 8-12 repetitions, individuals can lift a weight that is challenging enough to stimulate growth without compromising form, thus minimizing the risk of injury.

Additionally, training in this repetition range supports improvements in muscular endurance alongside strength, making it ideal for overall fitness. As the repetitions increase beyond this range, such as 15-20, the focus tends to shift more towards endurance, while lower repetitions under 8 typically emphasize maximal strength development with heavier weights, sacrificing muscle endurance and potentially increasing the risk of injury for novice lifters.