System and method for determining a resistance level for training a muscle group for maximum power generation

A method for selecting a resistance level to use to train a muscle group for maximum power generation on an exercise apparatus having a controller, an engagement assembly movable against a resistance element by the muscle group of a user and having a monitoring system that measures a velocity of movement of the engagement assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a controller;
• adjusting the resistance element via the controller to a first resistance level (R1), the first resistance level (R1) selected to be a low level;
• monitoring the movement of the engagement assembly against the first resistance level (R1) to determine a first velocity (V1) of movement of the engagement assembly;
• adjusting the resistance element via the controller to a second resistance level (R2) different from the first resistance level (R1);
• monitoring the movement of the engagement assembly against the second resistance level (R2) to determine a second velocity (V2) of movement of the engagement assembly;
• using at least the equation P=R×V to determine a relationship between the resistance level and the velocity of movement of the engagement assembly based on the first and second resistance levels (R1, R2), the first and second velocities of movement (V1, V2), and a predetermined relationship between resistance levels and velocities, the determined relationship defining a plurality of power values (P1, P2, P3) including an overall maximum power (P3) generated by the user;
• and
• using the determined relationship to determine a resistance level (R3) that corresponds to the overall maximum power (P3) as the resistance level to use for training the muscle group for maximum power.