There is a school of thought that says you should train to maximize difficulty without regard for techinque (let technique deprove as the workout progresses because it’s not as important as making things “hard”).

I don’t believe this is optimal. Here is the logical and wise train of thought…

1. The purpose of training in the end, is to improve, and be injury free. That means you need to lift heavy loads with perfect technique.
2. Imperfect technique leads to more injury which sets you back (and is PAINFUL!)
3. Imperfect technique means you have no clue if you are progressing because you will be able to use heavier weight with bad technique WITHOUT getting stronger.
4. There is no way to improve your technique if you are always doing things with poor form!
5. Finally and most importantly for you (assuming you are interested in progress and greatness rather than entertainment and stagnation) progress is MUCH faster to get to high levels of strength + technique by using perfect technique ALL THE TIME and slowly progressing your strength. Rather than using heavy loads with poor technique and slowly trying to improve your technique.

So the next time somebdoy asks you to “cheat” a rep, or to not use a tempo, or to continue a set even though your technique is breaking down. Tell them you care about your health and your progress and ask them to leave you alone!

Just a story, my friend who is a national level athlete was asked to try a high rep, technique optional workout using the Olympic lifts. This guy is strong, fit, lean and has great technique. But by the 8th rep he wisely stopped his set because his technique was breaking down. The “workout” actually wanted him to do 21 reps using whatever method necessary to get the weight up!

Imagine if one of the strongest people in Singapore stops his sets because of poor technique, you should too! And anyway NOBODY should be doing high rep olympic lifts above 6 reps…

Strength Training PREVENTS Injury Like This... But Only If You Do It Properly