Which test is described as measuring muscular endurance by performing repeated contractions to failure?

• A. Do as many reps as possible for one minute
• B. Do as many reps as possible until muscle failure occurs
• C. Suspend from a bar and hold on for as long as possible
• D. Do one bench press as heavy as possible

Answer: (B)

Muscular endurance is the ability of a muscle to perform repeated contractions over time until it fatigues. A test that fits this idea has you continue doing repetitions until you can’t complete another one, pushing the muscle to failure. That’s why doing as many repetitions as possible until muscle failure occurs is the best description.

The other options target different ideas: doing as many reps as possible for a fixed minute measures endurance under a time constraint rather than fatigue to failure; holding from a bar assesses static grip endurance rather than repeated contractions; and lifting one heavy bench press focuses on maximal strength rather than how long a muscle can sustain repeated contractions.