New Study: Unsupervised Trainees Don’t Train Hard Enough!

Supervision during resistance training (RT) has long been believed to enhance strength gains by optimizing trainee effort. But how significant is this effect?

A brand new study explored supervision’s impact on effort in a unique real-world setting—private strength clinics—where members train either unsupervised or supervised by a qualified exercise physiologist.

Key Findings:

• Supervised Trainees Spent More Time Under Load

  What this means: Under supervision, trainees pushed themselves longer before reaching failure, maximising muscle engagement.

• Supervision Slightly Increased Perceived Effort (RPE)

  What this means: Supervised trainees reported exerting themselves more, indicating they were training closer to failure.

• Higher Perceived Discomfort (RPD) with Supervision

  What this means: Trainees under supervision endured more discomfort, likely due to greater effort and adherence to proper intensity.

What Do These Results Mean for Resistance Training?

The study showed that supervision consistently improved training intensity, time under load, and perceived effort.

• If you train alone, focus on tracking your effort levels and ensuring you reach true momentary failure.

• If you struggle with motivation or effort, supervision could help you push beyond your limits.

• For strength gains, intensity matters—training closer to failure (safely) leads to better results.

Study: https://sportrxiv.org/index.php/server/preprint/view/521/1123