All Glossary Terms
Metrics

RIR (Reps in Reserve)

The number of additional reps you could have completed at the end of a set.

Reps in reserve (RIR) indicates how many more reps you could have performed before failure. RIR 0 means you hit failure; RIR 2 means you had 2 more reps possible. RIR is essentially the inverse of RPE and provides a concrete way to gauge intensity. Most effective hypertrophy training is at RIR 1-3.

Examples

  • RIR 2 = could do 2 more reps
  • RIR 0 = failure
  • Most training at RIR 1-3

Related Terms

RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)

A scale measuring how hard an exercise feels, typically from 1-10.

Training to Failure

Performing reps until you cannot complete another with proper form.

Compound exercises

Put this into practice with exercises from the library.

Sled Overhead Backward Walk

Strength · Other

Sled Push

Strongman · Other

Sled Row

Strength · Other

Sledgehammer Swings

Plyometrics · Other

Smith Machine Bench Press

Strength · Machine

Smith Machine Bent Over Row

Strength · Machine

Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press

Strength · Machine

Smith Machine Decline Press

Strength · Machine

Previous
RPE (Rate of Perceived Exertion)
Next
Training Max

Explore More Terms

Browse our complete fitness glossary with 271 terms.

View All Terms