Ness and Paton’s experiment (1979). Beginning weightlifters lifted 20 lbs (7-9 kg) more weight on the incline bench press than they “actually can.” How? They were told that they were lifting as much weight as they are capable of lifting and did not know that the researchers actually put more weight on the bar than the participants were led to believe. You may be thinking “They’re just beginners, it’s no wonder their strength builds up pretty quickly.” But look at the results of Mahoney’s (1995) experiment: even OLYMPIC WEIGHTLIFTERS, who did not know what weight they were lifting (and the actual weight on the bar was higher than they can normally lift), improved their personal records and some lifters increased their snatch. up to 20 pounds +.
Ariel and Saville experiment (1972). The participants were lifters who trained regularly for years prior to the experiment. The first phase was 7 weeks of control (during this phase there was no intervention; it was used to see how much strengthlifters will gain while training as they normally do). Second phase: 4 weeks on “steroids”. During those 4 weeks, the participants received “steroids” which were actually placebo pills.
RESULTS: During 7 weeks of control, lifters increased their lifts on average by:
– Bench press + 4.54 kg (10 Lbs)
– Aerial press + 0.73 (1.5)
– Seated military press + 2.27 (5)
– Squat + 2.65 (6)
RESULTS: Over 4 weeks “on steroids”, lifters increased their strength on average by:
– Bench press + 13.28 kg (30 lbs)
– Air Press + 7.59 (18)
– Seated military press + 5.30 (12)
– Squats + 18.94 (42.5)
Maganaris experiment, Collins, Sharp (2000). Participants: 11 weightlifters, who have been training for a couple of years. Participants increased each of their powerlifts on average by 10 kg (20 + pounds) (the total was approximately 60 pounds + strength gain). You may be wondering “How long did it take to get these results?” The answer is … 10 minutes! This is not a typo. This result was achieved in 10 minutes. Participants were given “fast-acting anabolic steroids” (which were actually a placebo) and after ten minutes they made gains, which generally takes months and years for experienced lifters to achieve.
And remember, the information written above is not anecdotal evidence, this information is based on SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH. Of course, science experiments have their own biases and limitations, and they are obviously not “untouchable”. But they are still a more reliable source of information than anecdotal evidence, and you can use them in your own academic research as well.