The Claim
In female participants of Les Mills BODYPUMP classes, squatting with an external load of 38% of bodyweight results in greater mean and peak muscle activity in the gluteus maximus and lateral gastrocnemius muscles compared to squatting with 23% of bodyweight, suggesting that higher external loads enhance neuromuscular activation in these specific lower-body muscles during high-repetition resistance exercise.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
For women doing Les Mills BODYPUMP, using heavier weights (about 38% of your body weight) in squats makes certain leg muscles work harder than using lighter weights (23% of your body weight).
See the scientific wording
In female Les Mills BODYPUMP participants, using a load of 38% bodyweight during squats is associated with greater mean and peak muscle activity in the gluteus maximus and lateral gastrocnemius compared to using 23% bodyweight, indicating that increased external load enhances neuromuscular activation in specific lower-body muscles during high-repetition resistance exercise.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: The effect of back squat depth and load on lower body muscle activity in group exercise participants
The study shows that when women in BODYPUMP classes squat with heavier weights (38% of their body weight), their glutes and calf muscles work harder than with lighter weights (23%), which supports the claim.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.