DOES THE SEQUENCE OF EXERCISE IN A RESISTANCE TRAINING SESSION AFFECT STRENGTH GAINS AND MUSCULAR HYPERTROPHY? A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE EVIDENCE Ralph N. Carpinelli

Abstract

In a recent review of resistance training, the authors claimed that the sequence of performing resistance exercises in a training session is an important variable that can influence the efficiency, safety and effectiveness of a resistance training program. This Critical Examination challenges those claims and reveals that the sequence of performing resistance exercise has very little meaningful neuromuscular implication for an acute response (the ability to perform a specific number of repetitions) or any clinical application for chronic adaptations such as strength gains or muscular hypertrophy.