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Influence of exercise order in a resistance-training exercise session
Luuk P B Spreuwenberg1, William J Kraemer, Barry A Spiering
1Department of Movement Sciences, University of Maastricht, Netherlands.
Performing the back squat first in a workout maximizes repetitions. However, placing it after a whole-body session may enhance power output, potentially due to post-activation potentiation.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Science
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Exercise order significantly impacts training quality.
- Limited research exists on the specific effects of exercise sequencing.
- Understanding exercise order is crucial for optimizing resistance training programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of exercise order on back squat performance.
- To compare back squat outcomes when performed first versus after a whole-body workout.
- To analyze the effects on repetitions, power, and perceived exertion.
Main Methods:
- Nine resistance-trained males participated in a crossover design study.
- Back squat performance was assessed in two protocols: first in the workout (A) and after a whole-body session (B).
- Measurements included repetitions, average power, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) for each set.
Main Results:
- Significantly more repetitions were completed in set 1 when the back squat was performed first (Protocol A) compared to after the workout (Protocol B) (p < 0.01).
- Average power output was higher for each set when the back squat was performed after the whole-body workout (Protocol B).
- No significant differences in rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were observed between the two protocols.
Conclusions:
- Performing the back squat at the beginning of a resistance training session allows for a greater total number of repetitions.
- Back squat performance after a whole-body workout may lead to increased power output, especially if preceded by a power exercise, possibly due to post-activation potentiation.
- Exercise order is a critical variable influencing both strength and power outcomes in resistance training.
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