Effect of heavy resistance training on performance variables in endurance athletes

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 10 weeks of heavy resistance training on performance variables in endurance athletes. Thirteen healthy male endurance athletes (age = 23.6 i 5.1 yr, ht = 178.8 i 6.6 cm, wt = 76.0 * 8.2 kg) were assigned to either a heavy resistance training (HRT) group (N = 7) or a control (N = 6) group. No changes in peak VOz or body composition occurred in the HRT group. Significant increases (p c .05) in one repetition maximum (1 RM) bench press and squat strength occurred in the HRT group (3.9% and 10% respectively). The HRT group experienced significant reductions (p < .05) in blood lactate accumulation at four of the seven treadmill stages. These findings indicate that HRT does not effect peak VOz or body composition, but does increase 1 RM strength and may decrease blood lactate accumulation at high running intensities in endurance athletes.