The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of heavy-resistance strength training on measures of bench press power (BPP) using absolute loads and seated shot put (SSP) performance. Twenty-four college men were measured for 1-RM bench press, BPP, and SSP before and after weight training twice weekly for 12 weeks. BPP was measured with free weights using a digital timing system and randomly assigned loads equivalent to 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70% and 80% of the 1-RM. Post-training tests used the same absolute loads as during the pre-training test to assess BPP. Following training BPP increased significantly at each load, shifting the power curve upward by an average of 13.6%. The 1-RM bench press increased significantly by 9.1%, but the SSP increased nonsignificantly by only 1.8%. Peak power was produced at approximately 40-50% of the 1-RM before and after training. Changes in SSP distance were nonsignificantly correlated (r=0.27-0.20) with the increases in BPP. Resistance training shifts the power curve in a positive direction when the measurements are determined with absolute loads, but the increased power may not be transferred to an absolute performance task like the SSP.

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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the contribution of anthropometric dimensions to improving the accuracy of repetitions-to-fatigue (RTF) using an absolute load of 225 lbs to predict 1 repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance in college football players. Sixty-one players from an NCAA Division II team were evaluated for 1RM bench press performance, RTF using an absolute load of 225 lbs, and measured (5 skinfolds, 2 skeletal length, and 2 muscle circumferences). Anthropometric dimensions (percent fat, lean body mass, and arm cross-sectional areas) were derived at the conclusion of 8 weeks of heavy resistance training during the off-season. None of the anthropometric dimensions made a significant additional contribution to RTF (r = 0.96, SEE = 12.3 lbs) for predicting 1RM. Of the currently available NFL-225 prediction equations found in the literature nonsignificantly underestimated 1RM from RTF by an average of 1.1 lbs (+/-12.7 lbs), whereas 5 other RTF equations significantly overpredicted by 3.5-9.0 lbs (+/-12.2-14.1 lbs). Anthropometric dimensions neither reduced the error associated with prediction of 1RM bench press using the NFL-225 test in college football players nor do they explain why some players are significantly over- or underpredicted when using muscle endurance repetitions.