Abstract
Pre-exhaustion (PE) is a popular resistance training strategy that involves performing a single-joint exercise followed by a multi-joint exercise with minimal recovery between the transition. This approach is widely used by bodybuilding athletes and resistance training (RT) enthusiasts with the aim of enhancing muscle strength and hypertrophy. The present paper aimed to provide a narrative review as to the effects of the PE method on different acute and chronic outcomes, and discuss relevant practical applications. When considering the body of literature as a whole, we conclude that current evidence does not support a benefit to the PE method compared to traditional RT models regarding chronic improvements in strength, hypertrophy and body composition. However, the heterogeneous study designs confound the ability to draw strong conclusions on the topic. Further investigations are warranted with strict control of study variables to better elucidate what, if any, benefits may be obtained by the PE method.