The Answer Is Somewhere In The Middle
If your goal is to simply build muscle mass, doing reps under 5 is absolutely not needed unless your routine is part of a system that focuses more on total workload rather than sets and reps.
If you goal is strength, performing sets of 3 is also the lowest you need to go before maxing out in a competition. Usually people are able to do between 10-30 lbs over their 3 reps maximum. This depends on the exercise and the individual.
Bottom line: Maxing out does not build strength. It tests it. Lifting moderate weight with good form is where it’s at. Get strong, safely!
