Lateral arm raise
In this activity, students perform a lateral arm raise and use the information to calculate their one repetition maximum (1RM). The accompanying calculator uses seven different prediction equations.
By the end of this activity, students should be able to:
collect and use data with a 1RM predictor calculator
discuss why it is safer to estimate 1RM than to measure the value directly discuss the benefits of calculating their 1RM for various strength movements.
How 1RM is predicted
Simon Pearson from Auckland University of Technology (AUT) explains how 1RM is predicted from repeated activity and arithmetical calculations.
Download the Word file (see link below) for:
introduction/background notes
what you need
what to do
extension idea.
Download the Excel file for the 1RM predictor calculator (see link below).
Nature of science
Scientists often use mathematical models to help make predictions. All models have limitations but can produce quite accurate results. Read more about this here.
Related content
Find out more about how muscle strength can be safely measured by estimating an athlete's one repitition maximum (1RM).
