A common misconception in strength training is that every set must be taken to muscular failure to result in positive adaption. But according to research, training to failure is both unnecessary and detrimental to performance. When seeking hypertrophy or muscular endurance, one of the most effective methods of training is Reps In Reserve (RIR). You can train smarter by following the layout training by Dr. Mike Stone of East Tennessee State University that uses RIR. This will help you increase your capacity to perform and is not meant to break and lead you to further injuries.

Source: http://breakingmuscle.com/fitness/are-you-the-one-sabotaging-your-gains