Abstract des Autors

Resistance training has been shown to improve a variety of health and performance variables. Improvements in performance can include increased muscular strength power, and high intensity exercise endurance. Physiological and physical changes can include improved cardiovascular parameters, beneficial endocrine and serum lipid adaptations, increased lean body mass, decrease fat, increased tissue strength and bone strength, and decreased physiological stress. In males, programs using strength training or strength training as an integral part of physical conditioning have been shown to improve performance in ergonomic tasks, such as lifting weighted boxes' to different heights. It is kown that the choice of training method can make a considerable difference in the outcome of a resistance training program. It is probable that the choice of training mode can influence the adaptations to a training program. This article examines the relative usefulness of various types of machines and free weights for enhancing performance in increasing maximum strength, power, and high intensity exercise endurance. The concept of "specificity of exercise" is of primary importance in selecting appropriate equipment for resistance training. Specificity includes bioenergetics and mechanics of training. This discussion will be concerned with mechanical specificity. Verf.-Referat