For clients with hypertension, how many repetitions are recommended during a resistance training program?

For clients with hypertension, recommending around 12 repetitions during a resistance training program is advantageous due to several key factors. This rep range is ideal because it strikes a balance between promoting muscular strength and enhancing muscular endurance while managing cardiovascular demands effectively.

Training in this moderate repetition range allows clients to engage in enough volume to benefit from strength gains without placing excessive stress on the cardiovascular system. For individuals with hypertension, it's crucial to avoid very high-intensity training that may lead to spikes in blood pressure. The 12-repetition range typically encourages the use of lighter weights, which can minimize the risk of excessive intra-abdominal pressure and reduce the potential for elevated blood pressure responses during exercise.

Additionally, research supports that moderate-load resistance training (generally defined as within the 8-12 rep range) can provide significant health benefits and is deemed safe for individuals managing hypertension, while also promoting overall muscular development. This approach supports both adherence to the exercise program and optimal health outcomes for clients with elevated blood pressure.