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The aim of this study was to determine the effect of two training programs and to compare the changes that occurred in maximum strength (1 RM) and the muscular endurance in three exercises: bench press, frontal pull downs and squat. Participants were 18 average trained and healthy men 20-30 years (M=24,3, SD=0,6) and they were randomly divided into two groups. One group executed circular training (CT, N=9) while the other group (DMG, N=9) was distributed in muscular group training. The total volume and the intensity of training were the same in both groups. The CT group trained 3 times per week accomplishing 1 exercise of 3 sets for each muscular group of the top part of the body and two exercises for the legs. The DMG group performed 3 exercises of 3 sets for each muscular group. Measurements of maximum strength and muscular endurance were made before the beginning of the program and 12 weeks after the training. The results showed that the two groups presented significant improvement in maximum strength (1 RM) without significant differences in either of the two methods. In muscular endurance the DMG group was better in most exercises, but this increase was not significant. Furthermore it was concluded that when the total volume and the intensity of training were the same, the circular training and the training which was distributed in muscular groups, increased the maximum strength equally. Regarding muscular endurance it appeared that the results were better when the training was distributed in muscular groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]