Repetitions

A repetition is the completion of the movement of an exercise including all four phases, concentric, eccentric, and the transition phases between the concentric and eccentric portion of a movement. As with sets, the number of repetitions selected for an exercise has a major effect of the physiological adaptation and response to the exercise, potentially even more so than the number of sets selected. Below is a table listing repetition ranges, per set, and the physiological adaptation typical of each.

Loading of the movement should match the repetition range and the goal for that number of reps. 

Physiological Adaptation

Repetition Range

Power

1-5 reps

Absolute Strength

1-3 reps

Relative Strength

3-6 reps

Functional Hypertrophy

4-8 reps

Hypertrophy 

8-12 reps

Endurance

15+ reps