3D Fitness News

Self-Selected Resistance Training Intensity in Healthy Women

Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. January 2008

Recent research in the US compared women who trained unsupervised against those who worked out with a Personal Trainer (PT). Of the 46 women who took part, the unsupervised group, self-selected resistance training intensities that were, on average, lower than what is recommended for progression in muscular fitness by major health organizations.

Although the women in the PT group self-selected higher training intensities across all exercises, the overall mean intensities were still lower than 60% of their 1RM. These results indicate that many women who exercise in health clubs may be resistance training at an intensity that is suboptimal for progression.

Progressive overload is a critical component to resistance training leading to gains in muscle strength and hypertrophy. The findings demonstrate that women training in health clubs may not select an appropriate resistance training intensity needed for gains in muscular performance.

News home   16.10.2008.