Key Points• To quantify resistance exercise, it is important to understand the numerous factors contributing to the overall intensity of training, rather than simply the relative load being lifted.• Methods to monitor the external volume load, perceptual training intensity, subjective wellness, and physical performance during resistance exercise all appear useful methods for monitoring resistance training.• Strength coaches should identify which monitoring tools are applicable and viable for their athletes, and should take an integrative approach to resistance training monitoring to help inform their practice.3
AbstractResistance exercise is difficult to quantify due to its inherent complexity with numerous training variables contributing to the training dose (type of exercise, load lifted, training volume, inter-set rest periods and repetition velocity). In addition, the intensity of resistance training is often inadequately determined as the relative load lifted (% 1-repetition maximum), which does not account for the effects of inter-set recovery periods, repetition velocity, or the number of repetitions performed in each set at a given load. Methods to calculate the volume load associated with resistance training, as well as the perceived intensity of individual sets and entire training sessions have been shown to provide useful information regarding the actual training stimulus. In addition, questionnaires to subjectively assess how athletes are coping with the stressors of training and portable technologies to quantify performance variables such as concentric velocity may also be valuable. However, while several methods have been proposed to quantify resistance training, there is not yet consensus regarding how these methods can be best implemented and integrated to complement each other. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to provide practical information for strength coaches to highlight effective methods to assess resistance training, and how they can be integrated into a comprehensive monitoring program.4