Light weights, big gains: study shows lifting to failure works wonders

This study looked at whether lifting light weights until you can't do another rep builds muscle and strength as well as lifting heavy weights. Twenty-two healthy young men who had not done weight training before were split into two groups: one lifted light weights (30% of their max) and the other lifted heavy weights (75% of their max), both to the point of failure. After 6 weeks of leg exercises three times a week, both groups had similar increases in muscle size and strength.