Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine if 10 weeks of weight training, running or a combination of the two had any beneficial effects upon blood lipid profiles of young adult males. The study involved three training groups: LIFT subjects trained with free weights and Universal Gym equipment (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) three times per week, three sets of eight to 10 reps for 10 weeks; RUN subjects ran at 75 percent of HR max, three times per week; and COMBO subjects underwent both LIFT and RUN training. The VO2max, percent body fat, blood pressure and a resting ECG were taken on all subjects both before and after training. Strength measurements were made pre- and post- on the bench and leg press, and blood samples taken at rest (after a 12-hour fast) prior to the start of the training protocol and 48 hours after the last exercise session. The blood was centrifuged and the plasma analyzed (Sigma Kits, Sigma Chemical Co., St. Louis, Missouri) for total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoproteins (HDL-C) and triglycerides (TG). Low density lipoproteins (LDL-C) were calculated. Ten weeks of exercise training did not significantly alter TC, LDL-C or TG in any of the treatment groups, but did significantly reduce the HDL-C of the LIFT subjects. The low initial levels of TC, HDL-C, LDL-C and TTG in the subjects and/or the relative shortness (10 weeks) of the training period were most likely responsible for the lack of change. Verf.-Referat