They dig into one-set-to-failure training: its origins, why it is brutally intense, and when it might work. They contrast extreme study claims with realistic yearly gains and discuss genetics versus effort. Practical tips include rep quality, time under tension, machine versus free-weight safety, and gym focus to stop wasting workouts on phones.
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question_answer ANECDOTE
Better Results From Intentional Practice
Vinnie improved skeet shooting dramatically by practicing with intention rather than volume.
He applied the same principle to workouts: fewer, more focused sessions beat aimless repetition.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
One Set Works — If Done Properly
Try one-set-to-failure only if you can push with intention or have a trained spotter to help you through the last reps.
Expect it to be painful and require strict discipline to do correctly, not an easy shortcut.
insights INSIGHT
Less Volume Can Still Build Mass
Dorian Yates and some champions used brief, brutal working sets with minimal accessory volume and still built massive muscle.
Your body responds to the stimulus; more time in the gym doesn't always equal better gains.
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Episode 2753 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer answer questions regarding strength training and making your workout count. https://vinnietortorich.com/2026/01/making-your-workout-count-episode-2753 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS Pure Vitamin Club Pure Coffee Club NSNG® Foods VILLA CAPPELLI EAT HAPPY KITCHEN YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - @FitnessConfidential Podcast Vinnie's workout videos are available to purchase! Choose from a 2-day, 4-day, or 6-day workout–or buy all three at a discount! TO PURCHASE VINNIE'S WORKOUT VIDEOS, CLICK THIS LINK: workout videos Making Your Workout Count The New Year always feels like a fresh start. (3:00) What's the story with "one set to failure"? (9:00) It's not easy if you are doing it correctly. You may need a partner, or someone to "spot" you. (12:00) They discuss "The Colorado Study" with Arthur Jones. (13:30) What should someone expect to gain in a year? (15:15) It's important to change things up from time to time to avoid a plateau. (26:00) Vinnie discusses whether it's necessary to go to failure each time. (27:00) Vinnie discusses how to maximize the quality of a lift. (32:00) But what exactly is "going to failure"? (35:00) It's better to do your exercises on machines as opposed to free weights when you plan to go to failure. (37:00) For safety, it's best to do your free weights and barbells on days you aren't planning to go to failure. (40:00) It needs to be said: put your phone away and focus! Too many people waste a workout on their phones and take too long a break between sets! Be the best version of yourself and leave the excuses at home. (47:00) Exercise is attainable; you just have to want to do it and stop the excuses. (54:00) Did you miss it?: The NSNG® VIP group closed, but you can get onto the waitlist for next time by signing up at https://www.nsngvip.com/join. A New Sponsor Jaspr Air Scrubbers has a discount code, VINNIE, that gets you $300 off for a limited time. Jaspr offers a lifetime warranty. Go to Jaspr.co for more information or to purchase. (1:05:00) You can book a consultation with Vinnie to get guidance on your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/phone-consultation-2/ More News Serena has added some of her clothing suggestions and beauty product suggestions to Vinnie's Amazon Recommended Products link. Self Care, Beauty, and Grooming Products that Actually Work! Don't forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel. "Dirty Keto" is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it here.https://amzn.to/4d9agj1 Please make sure to watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna's next cookbook, is available! You can go to https://eathappyitalian.com You can order it from Vinnie's Book Club. https://amzn.to/3ucIXm Anna's recipes are in her cookbooks, on her website, and on Substack —they will spice up your day! https://annavocino.substack.com/ PURCHASE DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie's fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views it receives, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: https://vinnietortorich.com/documentaries