Background and Aim: Given the constraints of time and resources in exercise programming, determining the optimal volume of resistance training for improving metabolic health is of significant clinical and practical importance. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of resistance training with different volumes on the lipid profile in sedentary obese men.
Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 60 obese men residing in Ahvaz city were purposively selected and randomly assigned to three intervention groups performing resistance training with low, moderate, and high volumes, and one control group. The training protocol was conducted for 12 weeks, three sessions per week. Lipid profile indices were measured before and after the intervention and analyzed using ANCOVA.
Findings: All three training volumes caused a significant reduction in LDL and total cholesterol compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Reduction in triglycerides (P < 0.001) and increase in HDL (P < 0.05) were significant in the moderate and high-volume training groups compared to the control group, but were not significant in the low-volume training group compared to the control (P > 0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the results, resistance training, regardless of volume, is an effective strategy for improving the lipid profile in sedentary obese men. However, training with moderate and high volumes showed a clear superiority over low-volume training, particularly for triglycerides and HDL. Therefore, to achieve maximum metabolic benefits, it is recommended to design and implement training programs with sufficient volume.