How many repetitions are required for an exercise to be considered muscular endurance?

To qualify as muscular endurance training, the number of repetitions performed typically ranges from 10 to 25 or more for each set of an exercise. Muscular endurance refers to the ability of a muscle or group of muscles to exert force repeatedly over an extended period. This often manifests in activities such as longer-distance running, cycling, or repeated lifting of lighter weights, where the muscles need to sustain effort without fatiguing quickly.

Repetitions in the range of 10 to 25 are optimal because they strike a balance between sufficient intensity to engage the muscles and a volume that encourages endurance adaptations rather than maximum strength development, which generally requires fewer repetitions (1-5). Moreover, higher repetition ranges, such as over 25, are often seen in endurance training but may not be as effective in building muscular endurance specifically in a way that applies to strength-focused activities. Thus, the range of 10-25 or more is the most commonly accepted parameter for defining muscular endurance in resistance training contexts.