To determine which method is the BEST to use for comparing your muscular endurance to your younger brother's when you have a 30-pound barbell, let's examine the given choices in detail:
A. Absolute Method
- This method involves using the same weight (in this case, the 30-pound barbell) and comparing how many repetitions each of you can perform. This is straightforward and ensures that you are both working with the same absolute load.
B. Maxing Out
- Maxing out means lifting as much weight as possible for one repetition. This method primarily measures strength rather than endurance, as it focuses on the maximum weight lifted at once rather than the endurance over multiple repetitions.
C. Prediction of 1 Rep Max (RM)
- Predicting the 1 Rep Max involves estimating the maximum weight one can lift for a single repetition, which again focuses more on strength rather than endurance.
D. Fixed Percentage of 1 Max RM
- Using a fixed percentage of your 1 Rep Max involves lifting a percentage of your maximum possible lift for a certain number of repetitions. This method aims to standardize the effort based on individual maximum strength, which requires first testing or predicting the 1 RM. While it can be used for endurance, it is more complex and less direct for a home comparison with a specific weight (30 pounds in this case).
Given the goal is to compare muscular endurance with the same available weight (30-pound barbell), the absolute method is the most appropriate since it involves both of you using the same weight and counting the number of repetitions each can perform. It directly focuses on the endurance aspect of how many times the set weight can be lifted.
Therefore, the best answer is:
A. absolute method
