Which statement best describes the repetition continuum and how it informs exercise selection for different goals?

Which statement best describes the repetition continuum and how it informs exercise selection for different goals?

• A. The continuum ranges from high-load, low-rep (strength) to low-load, high-rep (endurance), with power at the upper end emphasizing velocity; adjust loads and reps to target the goal.
• B. The continuum prescribes fixed reps regardless of goal.
• C. The continuum only applies to endurance training.
• D. Power training sits in the middle with hypertrophy emphasis.

Answer: (A)

The repetition continuum describes how we pair resistance loads with the number of repetitions to train different outcomes. Heavier loads with fewer repetitions build maximal force and neural efficiency; lighter loads with more repetitions improve muscular endurance and work capacity. Power sits toward the high-velocity end of the spectrum, where the emphasis is on moving the load quickly, often using moderate to notable loads but executed with high speed. Because of that, you adjust loads and reps to align with the goal you’re training for. This aligns with the idea that the continuum runs from high-load, low-rep for strength to low-load, high-rep for endurance, with power at the upper end emphasizing velocity. It also clarifies why the other statements don’t fit: you don’t fix reps regardless of goal, the continuum applies beyond just endurance, and power isn’t simply in the middle with hypertrophy emphasis.

The repetition continuum describes how we pair resistance loads with the number of repetitions to train different outcomes. Heavier loads with fewer repetitions build maximal force and neural efficiency; lighter loads with more repetitions improve muscular endurance and work capacity. Power sits toward the high-velocity end of the spectrum, where the emphasis is on moving the load quickly, often using moderate to notable loads but executed with high speed. Because of that, you adjust loads and reps to align with the goal you’re training for.

This aligns with the idea that the continuum runs from high-load, low-rep for strength to low-load, high-rep for endurance, with power at the upper end emphasizing velocity. It also clarifies why the other statements don’t fit: you don’t fix reps regardless of goal, the continuum applies beyond just endurance, and power isn’t simply in the middle with hypertrophy emphasis.