Seeing a set listed as 0 reps and wondering what the app is asking for? That's a "to failure" set, and it's a lot less intense than it sounds.
What "To Failure" Means
On a to failure set, you keep going until you can't complete another rep with proper form, then log how many reps you got. That's it.
"Failure" doesn't mean collapsing on the floor. It means the point where your form would start to slip. Stop there, and you're doing it exactly right.
đ Pro Tip: It's about quality, effortful reps, not just exhaustion and not just going for max reps at the expense of form. Controlled, good-form reps are awesome, but if a set feels easy, it isn't challenging your body enough to build strength and muscle. Aim for reps that are both strong and hard.
Why Some Sets Are To Failure
These sets show you where your strength is today. The number you log becomes your starting point, and the next time you do that exercise, your Exercise History will show you what you did, so you can aim to match it or beat it. Progress over perfection. Every rep counts.
How to Choose Your Weight
Pick a weight that feels challenging but doable, one that lets you keep good form from the very first rep.
New to an exercise? Start lighter. You can always go heavier next time.
Check your Exercise History to see what you used before, then decide whether to stay the same, go lighter, or push heavier based on how you're feeling that day.
What If I Hit Failure Too Soon (or Too Late)?
Too soon (you only got a very low number of reps): Try a slightly lighter weight next time.
Too late (it felt easy and you could have kept going for a long time): Try a slightly heavier weight next time.
Somewhere in between: That's the sweet spot. Keep the weight, and aim to add a rep over time.
There's no wrong number here. Whatever you log is simply your starting point. đ
What If My Workout Mentions RPE?
In Commit Performance, Endurance Moves, and our Race Guides, you may see RPE, which stands for rate of perceived exertion. It's a way to pace your runs by how hard they feel instead of by speed or heart rate, usually on a scale of 1 to 10.
RPE isn't the same thing as a "to failure" set. RPE is about your overall effort during a run or interval. A "to failure" set (shown as 0 reps) is about how many strength reps you can do with good form. Not sure which one your workout is asking for? Check whether it shows reps or an effort level.
Curious how these programs compare? See Commit Performance vs. Endurance Moves.
Staying Safe
Stop the set when your form starts to slip, even if you feel like you could squeeze out one more.
Set up your space before you start, with enough room, a stable surface, and weights that are secure.
Feeling pain (not just muscle effort)? Stop and listen to your body.
If you have a medical condition or an injury, check with your healthcare provider before pushing close to your limit.
How to Log It
Enter the number of reps you completed and the weight you used, then tap the checkmark âď¸ so it saves to your Exercise History. For the full walkthrough, see How Do I Track Weights and Reps?
If you have any questions or need assistance, our Support Team is here to help. Contact us anytime at support@movesapp.comâwe're dedicated to making sure you have the best experience possible!