Research

Mixed

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

If you are doing single-joint exercises like bicep curls or tricep pushdowns, using controlled momentum (cheat reps) to get more reps or heavier loads will likely build muscle just as well as strict form. You don't need to fear cheat reps for hypertrophy purposes, but be aware that the extra stress goes to other muscles (like shoulders or back) and may increase injury risk over time. Use them strategically to increase volume, but prioritize strict form for joint health if you are prone to injury.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
The use of external momentum during single-joint RT of the upper extremities neither helped nor hindered hypertrophy of the target muscles. These results were observed even though the CHEAT condition performed approximately double the volume load of the STRICT condition.
Francesca Augustin et al. · 2024

Why this rating

Randomized controlled trial with within-subject design, adequate sample size for the effect, and Bayesian analysis supporting the null hypothesis with strong Bayes factors.

Source

Do cheaters prosper? Effect of externally supplied momentum during resistance training on measures of upper body muscle hypertrophy

Francesca Augustin et al. · 2024

DOI 10.51224/srxiv.497

preprint · n=30
Read the paper
DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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