Research

Mixed

Using external momentum (cheat repetitions) during single-joint upper body resistance training produces muscle hypertrophy equivalent to strict technique, despite generating significantly higher volume load.

If you are doing single-joint exercises like bicep curls or tricep pushdowns, you don't need to be rigid about 'strict' form to maximize muscle growth. Using 'cheat' reps (adding momentum) allows you to lift more total volume, which resulted in the same muscle growth as strict reps in this study. However, be cautious of joint stress, especially in your back and hips, as momentum can increase injury risk. Use this technique strategically, perhaps at the end of a set, rather than for every rep, to balance gains with safety.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
the use of external momentum during single-joint RT of the upper extremities neither helped nor hindered hypertrophy of the target muscles.
Francesca Augustin et al. · International journal of exercise science · 2025

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with within-subject design, adequate sample size (n=25 completers), and Bayesian statistical support for the null hypothesis.

Source

Do Cheaters Prosper? Effect of Externally Supplied Momentum During Resistance Training on Measures of Upper Body Muscle Hypertrophy

Francesca Augustin et al. · International journal of exercise science · 2025

DOI 10.70252/gdbl2230

rct · n=30Cited 1×
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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