“You Leaving Gains on the Table”: IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Discloses What It Actually Means to Push Beyond Failure for Muscle Gain

IFBB Pro bodybuilder Jared Feather took to social media to discuss a widely embraced notion in bodybuilding, surpassing failure for notable progress. His insights shed light on the effectiveness of this approach, sparking discussions among enthusiasts aiming for substantial gains in their training routines.

In a recent Instagram post, Feather shared a video showing off his incredibly ripped body. His caption explained the importance of “pushing beyond failure.” He didn’t mince words, calling out what he sees as a prevalent “I’m hardcore bro” mentality in the fitness community.

Focus on overall health instead of going hard: Jared Feather

In his Instagram post, Feather exclaimed, “So many BULL S**T messages out there,” challenging the notion that simply going hard in the gym does not equate to giving it your all. His perspective flips the script on traditional thinking. He argues that dedication to muscle growth extends far beyond mere physical exertion.

According to him “Just focusing on going hard in the gym IS you leaving gains on the table and NOT doing everything possible, at the end of the day.” According to him, proper muscle building involves delving into the nuances of training methodologies like periodization and recovery, and then applying them rigorously, even when it goes against the grain.

It’s about demanding more from oneself, constantly seeking to optimize every aspect of the journey to achieve the best possible results. He suggests a scenario where a lengthy gym session isn’t the pinnacle of effort. Instead, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Simply sweating it out for hours on end, pushing to fail every set, falls short of genuine commitment. As Feather further shared his knowledge, he also expressed the opinion that simply counting hours in the gym won’t maximize gains.

People in the gym pretend they’re giving it their all

For him, and many others in the bodybuilding community, the goal isn’t just to lift weights—it’s to sculpt the ultimate physique, to push the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s about embracing the science behind muscle growth and performance, and understanding that success lies in the details.

READ MORE: Mass Monster Dorian Yates, Who Trained His Muscles to Absolute Failure, Urges Bodybuilders Against Lifting Heavy Weights: “One of the Biggest Mistakes”

He recommended that “next time you get done with a 3 or 4-hour gym session, pretending to go to failure every set, just remember you DIDN’T give it your all… You took the easy way out, and you continue to do so just to pretend you’re hardcore.” But there’s more at stake than just aesthetics. Feather points out the importance of longevity, of being able to move freely and pain-free well into middle age. It’s a contrast to the prevailing narrative of “going hard” until you burn out.

So, where does that leave us? Do we continue to cling to the notion that physical exertion is the be-all and end-all of fitness, or do we embrace a more nuanced approach? Jared Feather urges others to rethink priorities and strive for excellence in every aspect of our fitness journey.

READ MORE: Often Criticized for His Unusual Approach, Bodybuilding Legend Mike Mentzer Once Shared 3 Key Principles for Most Optimal Muscle Gains