But a new Canadian study claims you can reap the same effects by lifting lighter weights with more reps. Scientists out of McMaster University say that as long as you're lifting to the point of exhaustion (i.e. failure), your muscles will strengthen and grow. . . . .
. . . .recruited 49 healthy, strong men. They had been lifting weights for at least four years and visited the gym three to five times a week consistently in the lead up. (215 max BP...lol) . . . .
. . . .high and low-rep training (low and high load, respectively)
elicit a comparable stimulus for muscle hypertrophy and strength when resistance exercise is performed until failure. The study summarizes by suggesting lifting heavier and lighter loads should not be mutually exclusive, but instead be utilized during different training blocks.