Different warm-ups on the maximum repetition performance in resistance training

Introduction:

Although the warm-up is considered essential for sports, little is known about its effect on strength training.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of different warm-up strategies in neuromuscular performance in young adults undergoing maximum repetitions of upper and lower limb exercises.

Methods:

Two experiments were conducted separately. For the first experiment, 16 healthy young adults performed a test of maximal repetitions at 70% 1RM in the bench press (previously determined). Four warm-up conditions were tested: control (CON) without prior warm-up, 5 min on the treadmill at 60% VO_2max (EST), strength endurance (REF) with 1 set x 15 repetitions with 40% 1RM and maximal strength (MS) with two sets of two reps with 90% 1RM. For the second experiment, 14 healthy young adults performed a maximal number of repetitions at 70% 1RM in the unilateral leg press (previously determined). Five warm-up conditions were tested: control (CON) without prior warm-up, 5 min of cycling at 60% VO_2max (BIC), 5 min on the treadmill to 60% VO_2max (EST), strength endurance (REF) with 1 set vs. 15 repetitions with 40% 1RM and maximal strength (MS) with two sets of two reps with 90% 1RM. For both experiments the number of repetitions performed and perceived exertion were evaluated.

Results:

For the first experiment, the MS condition was superior when compared to other protocols. No differences between the other conditions were observed. For the second experiment differences between all protocols were observed, except CON and EST, being MS> BIC> REF> = CON.

Conclusion:

The results of this study suggest that a warming-up of maximum strength may produce higher force production for the upper and lower limbs. Additionally, aerobic and strength resistance warm-up showed an improvement in strength performance for the lower limbs in a smaller magnitude.

athletic performance; resistance training; force