As self-protection the body makes adaptations specific to the demands placed on it if given adequate time and resources for recovery. A study bears this out. Eighteen well-trained subjects were divided into two groups. One group lifted heavier weights until reaching muscular failure, and the other lifted lighter weights until reaching muscular failure. From the study,Effects of Low- vs. High-Load Resistance Training on Muscle Strength and Hypertrophy in Well-Trained Men:
“These findings indicate that both high load and low load training to failure can elicit significant increases in muscle hypertrophy among well-trained young men; however, HL [high load] training is superior for maximizing strength adaptations.” In both groups the exercises lead to similar changes in muscular size, but the subjects in one group experienced a greater increase in their one-rep-max, while those in the other group increased how much they could lift for a longer time (muscular endurance). Whether it is an increase in muscular endurance or strength, at New Orleans Fitness Training and Austin Fitness Training we can help you with both, always with an eye on safety.