Congrats to Kevcat for his massive progress since working out, using his custom method of going to absolute & beyond failure. And with spotters too! Don't like to say much about myself, only that my physique may be made by the Samoan Gods. That's what my mother say's anyway.
To most of the more common and lesser folks who workout, getting to the point of failure should be avoided. Except in the rare case of doing a HIT style using a one set max of 12 to 20 reps. And of course the ever ready spotter at your side. Can also apply drop sets , forced reps or anything else that comes to mind. One set only, though some will go to two sets max. And usually one workout a week.
The CNS, the key to progress in strength and development, can be damaged by going to the point of failure. And will require extra recovery time. Problem being, that the CNS may not be at total recovery(actually healing the body's nervous system so will not meet the demands of the next workout). Like reopening up a wound every day, the wound will never heals properly. If at all.
1) Complete failure...get to the point of only able to do a half rep or less. at the end of a set.
2) Momentary failure......reaching complete failure, taking a short pause/breath or two and continue the set.
3) Positive/negative failure......can take the positive phase to complete or momentary failure, and than add negative reps in the lowering of the weight phase. Lowering should be under slow and complete control all the way down. Should take three times (or more) as long to lower the weight than raise (contract muscle..positive rep) it. Some workout only may use negatives, as a major part of training.
4) Absolute failure ..very hard to reach this point. The CNS/body defense reflexes may become weaken, very limited or shut down all together. Actually very difficult to reach this state through working out with weights. Endurance and stamina sports or pursuits can come near to this point. Like training for marathons, Tri events, SEAL or other military training, etc. People lost in the desert or snow storms have experienced absolute body system failure. Death occurs in many cases. Good Luck.
