Lifting heavy weights just a few times doesn’t stress your body as much right after as doing lots of lighter reps.
Scientific Claim
High-intensity resistance exercise (8 sets of 3 repetitions) results in minimal acute performance deficits and no significant elevation in cortisol or interleukin-6 at 30 minutes post-exercise in trained men, suggesting a lower acute physiological stress burden compared to high-volume protocols.
Original Statement
“MVIC was still impaired at P-72 h following the HV protocol, while no differences were noted following HI. Cortisol and IL-6 concentrations were significantly elevated at P-30 min following HV only (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively).”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
definitive
Can make definitive causal claims
Assessment Explanation
The claim is supported by direct comparisons and statistical non-significance in HI responses, making definitive language appropriate.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Comparison of the recovery response from high-intensity and high-volume resistance exercise in trained men
Lifting heavy weights for fewer reps caused less muscle fatigue and lower stress hormones right after exercise than lifting lighter weights for more reps, meaning it’s easier on your body in the short term.