Predicting caloric expenditure during multi-station resistance exercise

Only limited information is available concerning caloric expenditure during resistance exercise. To develop prediction equations for calories used with weight training, 10 healthy subjects performed eight standard resistance exercises. For each lift, a spectrum of weight and repetition combinations was performed, while energy expenditure was quantitated by indirect calorimetry. Net calories expended per exercise set was calculated from the oxygen consumption curve minus resting energy expenditure. Significant correlations (p < 0.005) were observed with each of the eight exercises for caloric use and both total work performed (force x distance) and total weight lifted during a set. Regression equations were developed relating caloric expenditure to total weight lifted. The standard error of estimates of these equations ranged from 0.7 to 2.2. We found that caloric use during weightlifting could be predicted from the total weight lifted during an exercise set, and used to estimate the weight training’s energy use.