Starting with Large Muscle Groups Improves Hormonal Response to Resistance Exercise

Nelson Vergel

Founder, ExcelMale.com
Asian J Sports Med. 2016 Mar 1;7(1):e30503. doi: 10.5812/asjsm.30503. eCollection 2016.

Comparison of the Effects of Resistance Exercise Orders on Number of Repetitions, Serum IGF-1, Testosterone and Cortisol Levels in Normal-Weight and Obese Men.


Sheikholeslami-Vatani D1, Ahmadi S2, Salavati R1.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Exercise order affects repetition performance and acute hormonal responses to resistance training (RT) programs.

OBJECTIVES:

The purpose of this study was to compare the acute effects of two different resistance exercise orders (REO) on number of repetitions and serum Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), testosterone and cortisol levels in normal-weight and obese men.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

25 untrained college-aged men were assigned to either obese (n = 11) or normal-weight (n = 15) groups. Subjects performed two REO protocols in 2 exercise groups. In the first group subjects began with large-muscle group and progressed to small-muscle group (Protocol A), while in the other group subjects performed the same exercise but in reverse sequence (Protocol B). Each activity was performed in 3 consecutive sets of 10 repetitions maximum to near fatigue.

RESULTS:

REOs did not affect number of repetitions in none of the groups. The average rating of perceived exertion was higher for protocol B in both groups. IGF-1 and testosterone increased immediately post exercise for both protocols and in both groups, however immediately post exercise increase in IGF-1 and testosterone were lower in obese group. Cortisol response to REO was weaker in obese group.

CONCLUSIONS:

Performing large muscle group exercises first in RE training and progressing to small muscle group produced greater anabolic hormonal response relative to reverse sequence in normal-weight young adult men. Anabolic hormonal response to REOs was blunted in the obese group.
 

Online statistics

Members online
4
Guests online
211
Total visitors
215

Latest posts

Back
Top