Asian Journal of Education and Training - Vol. 5, No. 2 - The Effects of Different Types of Strength Training for Recreational Purposes on the Body Composition and Strength Development of University Students

Q: What training types were compared in the study?

The study compared CrossFit training with resistance training for recreational student athletes.

Q: How were maximal and isometric strength measured?

Maximal strength used bench press and squat tests, while isometric strength used leg strength and handgrip strength measurements.

Q: What outcomes changed after the 16-week training period?

Both groups showed significant decreases in body fat percentage and significant increases in performance variables, while body weight did not change significantly; push-up gains were higher in the CrossFit group.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mimi

This study examines how CrossFit and classical resistance training influence maximal strength, isometric strength, and strength continuity in recreational university athletes. Twenty-eight healthy male student volunteers were randomly assigned to two groups and underwent 16 weeks of training with pre/post strength testing and body-composition assessment. Bench press and squat measured maximal force, leg and handgrip assessed isometric force, and pull-up/push-up tested strength continuity. CrossFit used a short Cindy-style protocol, while resistance training followed 70% 1RM multiset routines; both reduced body fat and increased performance, with greater push-up gains in the CrossFit group.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Method

Findings

Discussion and Conclusion

References

Asian Journal of Education and Training Vol. 5, No. 2, 381-385, 2019 ISSN(E) 2519-5387 DOI: 10.20448/journal.522.2019.52.381.385 © 2019 by the authors; licensee Asian Online Journal Publishing Group The Effects of Different Types of Strength Training for Recreational Purposes on the Body Composition and Strength Development of University Students Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CrossFit and resistance training on maximal strength, isometric strength and strength continuity in recreational student athletes. 28 healthy male volunteer students who were doing sport for recreational purposes participated in the study. After the participants were randomly divided into two groups, strength tests were performed and body composition measurements were taken before and after the 16-week training period. Bench press and squat were applied to determine maximal force; leg and handgrip strength were applied to determine isometric force; pull-up and push-up tests were applied to determine the continuity of strength. Body composition measurements were performed with electronic scales. Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS 21.0 program. Significance level was accepted as p <0.05 . The CrossFit training program included consecutive 5 pull-ups, 10 push-ups and 15 squat exercises for 20 minutes (CrossFit-Cindy) . Resistance training program consisted of 3 sets of bench press, lat pull down, leg press, biceps curl and triceps extension exercises with 3 minute intervals using 70% of the weights the participants could perform with pre-determined maximum 1 repetition. The results of the study showed that body fat percentages of both groups decreased significantly, performance variables increased significantly and body weight did not change significantly. In addition, the increase in push-up exercise was higher in the CrossFit group than in the resistance group. Thus, this study shows that although CrossFit training is short-termed, it can be used asan alternative to classical resistance training. Keywords: Cross Fit, Resistance exercises, Strength, Body composition, Recreational, Training. Funding: This study received no specific financial support. Competing Interests: The author declares that there are no conflicts of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Transparency: The author confirms that the manuscript is an honest, accurate, and transparent account of the study was reported; that no vital features of the study have been omitted; and that any discrepancies from the study as planned have been explained. Ethical: This study follows all ethical practices during writing. Contents 1. Introduction .................................................................................................................................................................................... 382 2. Method ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 382 3. Findings ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 383 4. Discussion and Conclusion........................................................................................................................................................... 383 References ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 384 Contribution of this paper to the literature This study contributes to the existing literature by investigating the effect of CrossFit and resistance training on maximal strength, isometric strength and strength continuity in recreational student athletes. 1. Introduction Recreational sports are ac

FAQs

What training types were compared in the study?

The study compared CrossFit training with resistance training for recreational student athletes.

How were maximal and isometric strength measured?

Maximal strength used bench press and squat tests, while isometric strength used leg strength and handgrip strength measurements.

What outcomes changed after the 16-week training period?

Both groups showed significant decreases in body fat percentage and significant increases in performance variables, while body weight did not change significantly; push-up gains were higher in the CrossFit group.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mimi