Steady state models provide an invalid estimate of intermittent resistance-exercise energy costs

The prototype modeling of biological energy exchange invokes per minute measurements of oxygen uptake (l min-1), including exercise. While dedicated to steady rate power outputs, the oxygen uptake rate function model is now appropriated to intermittent exercise as well with resistance training serving as a primary example. Resistance training energy costs as described here are not properly portrayed by steady state oxygen uptake models - indeed, such application lacks validity. We instead suggest that the energy costs of brief, intense, intermittent exercise should be quantified in the context of a capacity estimate, where a bout of exercise and/or amount of work (J) completed is associated with a specific energy cost (kJoules). For resistance exercise, we propose linear models that measure work and energy bouts as an alternative to the steady state rate model.