Relationship Between the Number of Repetitions and Selected Percentages of One Repetition Maximum in Free Weight Exercises in Trained and Untrained Men

Authors

Tomoko Shimano, University of Connecticut
William J. Kraemer, University of Connecticut
Barry A. Spiering, University of Connecticut
Jeff S. Volek, University of Connecticut
Disa L. Hatfield, University of Connecticut
Ricardo Silvestre, University of Connecticut
Jakob L. Vingren, University of Connecticut
Maren S. Fragala, University of Connecticut
Carl M. Maresh, University of Connecticut
Steve J. Fleck, Colorado College
Robert U. Newton, Edith Cowan UniversityFollow
Luuk Spreuwenberg, University of Maastricht
Keijo Hakkinen, University of Jyvdskyld

Document Type

Journal Article

Publisher

National Strength and Conditioning Association

Faculty

Faculty of Computing, Health and Science

School

School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Science / Centre for Exercise and Sports Science Research

RAS ID

5263

Comments

Shimano, T., Kraemer, W., Spiering, B., Volek, J., Hatfield, D., Silvestre, R., Vingren, J., Fragala, M., Maresh, C., Fleck, S., Newton, R. , Spreuwenberg, L., & Hakkinen, K. (2006). Relationship between the number of repetitions and selected percentages of one repetition maximum in free weight exercises in trained and untrained men. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 20(4), 819-823. Available here

Abstract

Resistance exercise intensity is commonly prescribed as a percent of 1 repetition maximum (1RM). However, the relationship between percent 1RM and the number of repetitions allowed remains poorly studied, especially using free weight exercises. The purpose of this study was to determine the maximal number of repetitions that trained (T) and untrained (UT) men can perform during free weight exercises at various percentages of 1RM. Eight T and 8 UT men were tested for 1RM strength. Then, subjects performed 1 set to failure at 60, 80, and 90% of 1RM in the back squat, bench press, and arm curl in a randomized, balanced design. There was a significant (p < 0.05) intensity x exercise interaction. More repetitions were performed during the back squat than the bench press or arm curl at 60%, 1RM for T and UT. At 80 and 90% 1RM. there were significant differences between the back squat and other exercises; however, differences were much less pronounced. No differences in number of repetitions performed at a given exercise intensity were noted between T and UT (except during bench press at 90% 1RM). In conclusion, the number of repetitions performed at a given percent of 1RM is influenced by the amount of muscle mass used during the exercise, as more repetitions can be performed during the back squat than either the bench press or arm curl. Training status of the individual has a minimal impact on the number of repetitions performed at relative exercise intensity.