Ward, C. L., Morrell, C. A., Riebe, D., Maher, J., & Manfredi, T. G. (2004). The effects of resistance exercise on metabolic responses to subsequent aerobic exercise. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 36(5), Supplement abstract 2378.

This investigation examined the effects of resistance training on heart rate, oxygen consumption, minute ventilation, respiratory exchange ratio, and blood lactate responses to subsequent aerobic exercise. Male collegiate rowers (N = 13) completed two submaximal exercise trials conducted seven days apart in random order. The aerobic-only training required Ss to complete 20 minutes of treadmill running at a speed and grade approximating 65% VO2max. The resistance/aerobic training required Ss to complete an identical bout of aerobic exercise immediately after completing a standard 50-minute resistance training bout working all the major muscle groups (6 exercises, 3 sets of 10 reps at 70% 1-RM). Aerobic factors were assessed during aerobic exercise at 10 and 20 minutes.

Heart rate and VO2 were higher during resistance/aerobic training than aerobic-only training at minutes 10 and 20. Minute ventilation was higher during resistance/aerobic training compared to aerobic-only training at minute 10. Respiratory exchange ratio was lower during resistance/aerobic training compared to aerobic-only training at minute 10.

Implication. Metabolic responses to aerobic exercise are altered when it is completed immediately after resistance training.

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