RIR vs. Failure: How Hard Should You Push?

The Failure Trap

Training to total failure (0 reps left) creates high fatigue. If you do it on your first set of squats, the rest of your workout suffers.
Research shows that stopping 1-3 reps shy of failure (RPE 7-9) produces the same muscle growth with far less fatigue.

Fitblues RPE Logger

Fitblues asks for your RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion) after sets.

• RPE 10: Could not do another rep. (Use sparingly).
• RPE 8: Could do 2 more. (Sweet spot for hypertrophy).

The AI monitors this. If every session is RPE 10, it will force a deload to prevent Central Nervous System burnout.

When to Fail

Failure is safe on isolation movements (Curls, Lateral Raises) and machines. It is dangerous on Squats and Deadlifts. Fitblues programming reflects this safety logic.

Conclusion

Train stimulated, not annihilated. Use Fitblues to find the perfect intensity.