Abstract

Nine weight lifters were evaluated in two tests in bench press with free weight. The first test was progressive with loads increasing towards maximum ones (TPR), the second test was the traditional 1 MR test (MRD). The following parameters were measured: strength (N), speed (v) and power (w) for each lifted load, the maximum load lifted was determined by one repetition maximum in a single effort (1MR). Significant correlation between 1MR obtained from TPR and that from MRD test values were observed, and between maximum power, mean power (absolute and relative to the body weight) and 1MR (absolute and per kilogram of body weight). No significant difference (p< 0.05) where observed between 1MR of TPR and the one for MRD. It is accepted the application of TPR to determine power, speed and strength levels, to estimate the value of 1MR and, finally, to locate those weights for which maximum values of strength, power and speed occur, in relation to the percentage 1MR.