New insights from fitness experts reveal that the number of reps you do may be less rigid—and more strategic—than you think.

When you lift a weight, how many times should you lift it? Supposedly, there’s a correct “rep range” to use to build strength, and a different rep range to build muscle size, or endurance, or to “tone ...

Why fewer can work: Studies show that just one to three intense sets with heavy weights can yield meaningful strength gains, especially for consistent lifters. Avoid junk volume: Too many easy sets ...

For strength, you don’t need to be quite as close to failure. “In fact, staying a bit further from failure often allows you ...