2.5. Strength Testing
After a body composition evaluation and blood test, a strength test was conducted 24 h later. In order to calculate customized training intensity for the RT protocol, a one-repetition maximum (1RM) was calculated. Before commencing testing, research personnel discussed each test’s objective, associated risks, potential discomforts, and participant obligations. Prior to the testing phase, all participants were advised to abstain from consuming alcohol for 48 h, caffeinated beverages for 12 h, and meals for 2 h. Nevertheless, ad libitum water consumption was permitted. After a short general and specific warm-up, all exercises included in the RT program were evaluated for strength testing (i.e., leg extension, leg curl, bench press, lat pulldown, lateral raise, and abdominal crunch) using variable-resistance machines. The participants performed two attempts separated by a 5 min rest period, and their highest lifted weight and number of repetitions [