Proximity to failure & fatigue chart
Conceptual exponential curve showing how fatigue accumulation rises steeply as a set approaches the point of failure. The "danger zone" near 100 % proximity is where most of the systemic cost is paid.
The cost of training closer to failure isn’t linear — it’s exponential. The first few reps of a set are cheap; the last few are expensive. The shaded “danger zone” near 100 % proximity is where each additional rep produces disproportionately more fatigue, longer recovery requirements, and (past a certain point) negative net adaptation.
Use the curve as a framing device when discussing intent: most working sets should sit comfortably in the left-to-middle portion (RPE 7–8, 10–25 % velocity loss), with occasional dips into the danger zone reserved for peaking phases or specific test sets.
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