Muscular Fitness Assessment and Exercise Prescription: Tools for Implementing Repetition Maximum and Load-Velocity Profile Testing Protocols

ABSTRACT Assessing muscular fitness is critical for exercise professionals to evaluate performance, monitor progress, and design effective resistance training programs for athletes and nonathletes. Traditional methods, such as 1 repetition maximum (1-RM), multiple-repetition maximum (multiple-RM), and load-velocity profile (LVP), are widely used for these purposes. However, these methods present significant challenges, including time consumption, complexity, and potential safety concerns, particularly when working with large groups or individuals with specific needs. This article addresses these challenges by reviewing the strengths and limitations of 1-RM, multiple-RM, and LVP methodologies and introducing practical and user-friendly spreadsheets intended to simplify the creation of individualized testing protocols, allowing professionals to perform efficient and accurate assessments. In addition, the spreadsheets provide immediate data analysis, facilitating the determination of key training parameters such as estimated 1-RM, training intensity, and volume. By streamlining the testing and analysis process, this approach enhances both the efficiency and accuracy of resistance training prescriptions. Ultimately, the proposed spreadsheets improve the effectiveness and customization of training programs for athletes and clients while offering exercise professionals a time-saving solution to optimize their everyday practice.