Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk
Journal of Eexercise & Organ Cross Talk

The impact of resistance training volume and intensity: Exploring the role of repetitions and sets in regulating irisin secretion and its anabolic and metabolic benefits in bodybuilders

Document Type : Review Articles

Authors

Zeynab Ebrahimpour 1
Abolfazl Shakibaee 2

1 Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran

2 Exercise Physiology Research Center, Life Style Institute, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

https://doi.org/10.22122/jeoct.2025.548429.1171
Abstract
Irisin, a myokine cleaved from the membrane protein Fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5), has emerged as a critical exercise-induced hormone. It is implicated in the browning of white adipose tissue, enhanced metabolic rate, and potential anabolic processes. In bodybuilding, where precise manipulation of training variables—specifically repetitions (reps) and sets—is paramount, understanding how these variables influence irisin secretion could optimize both physique and health outcomes. This narrative review aims to synthesize current evidence on the effects of resistance training protocols, with a focus on reps and sets, on irisin secretion. Furthermore, it explores the potential subsequent benefits of elevated irisin levels for bodybuilders, including its putative roles in fat metabolism, muscle remodeling, and overall metabolic health. Evidence suggests that high-volume resistance training protocols, characterized by multiple sets (≥3) and moderate repetitions (8-12 reps), may be potent stimulators of irisin release. This secretion is hypothesized to be mediated by muscle contraction-induced PGC-1α expression. Elevated irisin levels are often correlated with improved lipid oxidation, which could aid in cutting phases by promoting a leaner physique. Additionally, preclinical and some human studies suggest irisin may support muscle hypertrophy through enhanced nutrient partitioning and autocrine/paracrine signaling, though this mechanism requires further elucidation. Strategic manipulation of resistance training volume and intensity may represent a viable method for modulating irisin secretion. Incorporating protocols that could elevate this myokine might provide bodybuilders with a dual advantage: enhancing metabolic efficiency to reduce adipose tissue and potentially supporting muscle growth and recovery. However, the current evidence is not yet definitive, and more research is needed to confirm these links.

What is already known on this subject?

Resistance training is widely recognized for its pivotal role in modulating muscle hypertrophy and metabolic health. The biochemistry of skeletal muscle adaptations involves numerous signaling molecules, among which irisin, a myokine cleaved from FNDC5, has attracted significant scientific attention alongside some controversy regarding its measurement and functions. Irisin is proposed to play a central role in exercise-induced browning of white adipose tissue and metabolic enhancement.

 

What this study adds?

Resistance training volume and intensity appear to influence irisin secretion, a myokine with potential anabolic and metabolic benefits for bodybuilders. Protocols characterized by moderate repetitions and multiple sets may enhance irisin release via PGC-1α mediated FNDC5 expression, potentially supporting fat  browning, lipid oxidation, and muscle hypertrophy.

Keywords

Bodybuilders
Resistance training
Irisin
Anabolic
Metabolic

Subjects

Acknowledgements

None.

Funding

No sources of funding were sought or awarded for this study.

Data availability

Review article.

Compliance with ethical standards

Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Ethical approval Not applicable.

Informed consent Not applicable. 

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Journal of Exercise & Organ Cross Talk
Volume 5, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 215-219

  • Receive Date 21 June 2025
  • Revise Date 07 September 2025
  • Accept Date 12 September 2025

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