International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) Trainer Practice Exam

If a person can perform a maximum of eight repetitions using a certain weight, that weight is approximately what percentage of their one-repetition max?

1. 60%

2. 70%

3. 80%

4. 90%

The correct answer is: 80%

When a person can complete a maximum of eight repetitions with a specific weight, that weight is typically around 80% of their one-repetition maximum (1RM). This is grounded in the principles of strength training and resistance exercise, where the relationship between repetitions and the percentage of 1RM can be established through various guidelines and charts. The rationale behind this is that as the number of repetitions increases, the percentage of the maximum weight that can be lifted decreases. For instance, lifting heavier weights for fewer repetitions (like 1-3 reps) corresponds to a higher percentage of 1RM, while lighter weights that can be handled for more reps (like 12-15) correspond to a lower percentage of 1RM. The eight-rep range is often recognized as being in the sweet spot for building strength and muscle hypertrophy, thus placing the effort at approximately 80% of the individual's one-repetition max. Understanding this percentage is valuable for individuals looking to design effective workout programs tailored to their strength training goals.