Blood pressure changes acutely during resistance exercise. Continuous, beat-by-beat assessment provides detailed temporal resolution of blood pressure profiles, through techniques including intra-arterial catheterization, photoplethysmography, or applanation tonometry. However, noncontinuous measurements may be conducted before and after resistance exercise through auscultatory sphygmomanometry or oscillometry. Blood pressures tend to increase across repetitions within sets, influenced by load magnitude, repetitions and sets performed, muscle mass recruited, and rest periods; the highest pressures result from multi-joint, large muscle group exercises. Evaluation of such factors may facilitate better understanding of blood pressure responses to acute resistance exercise and influence program design considerations relative to anticipated hemodynamic changes.

Explore 2027 NSCA Tactical Annual Training in San Antonio and online, August 23–26, for tactical strength and conditioning education. See 2026 highlights.

The NSCA is providing a course for physical education teachers that connects strength and conditioning, physical education, coaching, physical literacy, and long-term athletic development.

Located at the NSCA Headquarters in Colorado Springs, the NSCA Performance Team is comprised of Registered Strength and Conditioning Coaches (RSCC), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialists (CSCS), NSCA-Certified Personal Trainers (NSCA-CPT), and Tactical Strength and Conditioning Facilitators (TSAC-F) dedicated to helping you achieve your goals.