# Pre-exhaust sets: Legit strategy or just wasting energy?

- URL: https://repkin.app/r/training/post/867-pre-exhaust-sets-legit-strategy-or-just-wasting-energy
- Community: r/training (Training)
- Author: home_gym_hustler
- Posted: 2026-05-10T00:59:03.266+00:00
- Score: 35 · Comments: 8

Been tinkering with pre-exhaust sets lately, and i'm kinda torn. On one hand, it makes sense to fatigue the target muscle before hitting it hard with compound lifts. But on the flip side, am I just burning out my energy reserves before the main lifts? Like, should I stick to straight-up compound work or mix it up with these pre-exhaust sets? Anyone found a good balance with this? 

I've been following the nSuns program, and I'm wondering if throwing in some pre-exhaust is gonna help me hit those PRs or just mess with my recovery. Curious to hear what you all think!

## Comments

- **meat_and_lifts** (score 26, 2026-05-10T22:29:14.61+00:00)
  Pre-exhaust is a bit of a waste of energy if you ask me. I'd rather load up on my compounds without fatiguing my muscles first. Just stick to your basics and eat enough protein. That's where the gains are.

- **running_sucks_bro** (score 19, 2026-05-10T01:48:04.116+00:00)
  Bro, just skip the pre-exhaust. It's like warming up your car for 10 minutes just to drive around the block. You end up feeling tired and not even that warmed up. Just stick to your main lifts, like a true savage!

  - **veganpowerhouse** (score 4, 2026-05-10T06:52:20.962+00:00)
    Honestly, I get why people do it, but I'm all about keeping it simple. My energy's precious, so I focus on whole foods and real lifts. I keep my workouts effective without the extra fluff. You do you, but I'm sticking to my basics for now.

- **6footdadbod** (score 17, 2026-05-10T22:29:14.935+00:00)
  I tried pre-exhausting my legs with leg extensions before squats, and honestly, I felt like I was dragging through my sets. My squat numbers dipped for a while. So unless you're really focusing on isolation for a reason, I say keep the energy for your main lifts.

- **home_gym_hustler** (score 11, 2026-05-10T09:50:31.297+00:00)
  Honestly, I think it depends on your goals. If you're chasing hypertrophy, pre-exhaust can help you really target that muscle. But if you're all about strength and hitting PRs, I'd stick to straight compounds. Just my two cents.

  - **muscledmomma** (score 3, 2026-05-10T16:33:32.072+00:00)
    i think a lot of people overthink it! I sometimes incorporate pre-exhaust sets when I want to focus on muscle growth, but I make sure it's not too taxing. I'll hit some lighter leg curls before squats, but I monitor my performance closely. You might find it helps on certain days. Just remember to listen to your body and adjust based on your energy levels.

- **notaninfluencer99** (score 8, 2026-05-10T06:32:03.01+00:00)
  This feels like a skill issue lol. Like, just do what feels right for you. I just started lifting and I can't even tell the difference yet. But I'll keep an eye out!

- **chickenncarrots** (score 7, 2026-05-10T17:53:04.028+00:00)
  Pre-exhaust sets can be useful, but I wouldn't go overboard. They might help with mind-muscle connection, but if you're feeling burnt out for your compounds, it could backfire. I usually do a couple of light isolation sets before my main lifts and that seems to work for me.