Resistance Training and Neuroimaging

Mesocycle I (weeks 1-4) will emphasize muscular hypertrophy to develop a muscular and metabolic base for more intense training in later phases. Training bouts will consist of 4-6 resistance exercises with 2-4 sets per exercise and 8-10 repetitions per set. Mesocycles II (weeks 5-8) and III (weeks 9-12) will emphasize strength development. Training bouts will consist of 4-6 resistance exercises with 3-5 sets per exercise, 4-6 repetitions per set, and linear increases in intensity over time. These parameters were chosen to maximize performance on 4-6 repetition maximum (RM) testing post-intervention, according to the principle of specificity - i.e. specific adaptation to imposed demands.The training loads used will be individually progressed in a safe and effective manner, in order to employ a progressive overload/challenge to the neuromuscular system and elicit the greatest training-induced neuromuscular adaptations possible.