What Is Resistance Training?  

Resistance training consists of various exercises that focus on developing strength and increasing muscle mass.^1–3 It usually involves the use of either external weights or body weight to overload skeletal muscles and the use of movements that “resist” weight. Resistance training is the primary exercise used to increase muscle based on variables such as muscle damage, mechanical stress, and metabolic stress.

What Are Examples of Resistance Training?  

Resistance training includes various exercises that place weight and resistance on the muscles.^1–3 Weight lifting exercises such as bicep curls, deadlift, and bench press using weights are key examples of resistance exercises. Exercises that do not involve free weights but use body weights such as squats, pushups, sit-ups, lunges, and planks are also examples of exercises used in resistance training.

Does Resistance Training Benefit Health?  

Resistance training can benefit health in numerous ways.^3,4 Resistance training is known to increase muscle mass, which can change body composition in a metabolically favorable manner. For older adults, this can especially benefit health by providing not only metabolic benefits but also increase in strength as muscle mass generally decreases with age.⁴ Additionally, resistance training is shown to benefit cardiovascular health as well as improve glucose metabolism in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus.