Defining the training load in bench press and biceps curl exercises in young women

The purpose of this study was to assess maximum strength (1RM) in the bench press and biceps curl exercises, and relate it to total body mass (BM) and fat-free mass (FFM), as well as to assess the maximum repetition number at different percentages of 1-RM. Eleven women (age: 24 +/- 1.4 years) were submitted to body composition assessment, 1-RM tests, and maximum repetition tests at 50, 60, 70 and 80% of 1-RM. For data treatment, multiple linear regression, repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-test were used. FFM explains better than BM the 1-RM variance and can be used to determine a coefficient to estimate the training load. Significant differences were found in the maximum repetition numbers in all percentages and both exercises (bench press (p=0,000) and biceps curl (p=0,000). These results revealed a gradual decrease in the number of repetitions as the load increased.