Study finds light and heavy weights build muscle equally when training to fatigue

A new study suggests that both light and heavy weights can build muscle and strength equally, as long as muscles are worked to fatigue. Researchers found that young men who trained with lighter weights for more repetitions achieved similar muscle growth and strength gains as those using heavier weights. The key factor appears to be the level of effort exerted. The study, published in the Journal of Physiology, involved 20 healthy young men and highlights that individual genetic factors also play a role in muscle response to training.