Glass, S. C., & Stanton, D. R. (1998). Self-selected weight training intensity among untrained men and women. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(5), Supplement abstract 1218.

Untrained Ss (M = 13: F = 17) completed two days of lifting using variable resistance devices. Levels of self-selected intensities were determined.

There were no significant differences between gender for relative intensity on any given lift. Men trained with higher absolute resistances because of their larger physiques. There were no differences between number of repetitions (ranged roughly between 10 and 25) or load, which centered around 50% of 1 RM.

It was considered that self-selected resistance sizes are not of sufficient magnitude to elicit strength adaptation.

Implication. Self-set strength loads most likely will be too light.

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