More Isn't Necessarily Better: Examining the Intensity-Affect-Enjoyment Relationship in the Context of Resistance Exercise

With so little known about resistance exercise intensity, affect, and enjoyment, this study sought to examine these relationships. Participants (N = 22) completed 2 resistance training protocols on different days. After determination of individual 10 repetition maximum (10-RM) for 7 exercises, resistance training protocols at 70% and 100% 10-RM (randomly assigned) were completed on separate days. Affect (Energy, Tiredness, Tension, Calmness) and state anxiety were assessed before, immediately (Post0), and 20 min (Post20) after each condition; enjoyment (Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale) was measured immediately after each condition. Affective valence (via the Feeling Scale) and perceived arousal were assessed before, during, and post exercise. Affect changed from pre to postexercise with Condition x Time interactions for Tension and Anxiety (greater increases in 100% 10-RM relative to 70% 10-RM condition). Feeling Scale values were significantly higher overall in the 70% relative to the 100% condition. Enjoyment was significantly greater following 70% vs. 100% 10-RM conditions (effect size d = 0.53). Finally, in-task affect was significantly correlated with enjoyment, but only for the 100% condition. The findings are consistent with aerobic exercise research and extend that research to resistance exercise. Further, these results provide evidence that in-task affect is important to consider in the intensity-affect-enjoyment relationship for resistance exercise.