GlossaryFitnessResistance Training
Last updated on Monday, 11 March, 2024

Resistance Training: Fitness Explained

Resistance training is a well-known term in the health and fitness sector playing a crucial role in overall health improvement and muscle strength augmentation. Whether you are a sports professional, or just someone trying to enhance your general fitness, understanding this term can significantly contribute to optimizing your fitness potential.

What is Resistance Training?

Resistance Training, also known as strength or weight training, is a type of physical exercise specializing in the use of resistance to induce muscular contraction, which builds the strength, anaerobic endurance, and size of skeletal muscles.

Why is Resistance Training Important?

Resistance Training holds a pivotal importance in health and fitness. It serves several purposes like:

  • Enhancing muscle strength and tone
  • Supporting weight management
  • Improving bone density and structure
  • Boosting stamina
  • Bettering physical functionality

Moreover, it aids in preventing lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart ailments.

The Science of Resistance Training

From a scientific perspective, Resistance Training capitalizes on the principle of progression and overload. Muscles respond to resistance by hypertrophy, i.e., increasing in size. During resistance training, microscopic damage is induced to the muscle fibers, which the body then repairs and strengthens to guard against future bouts of stress. This results in stronger, bigger, and more toned muscles.

How to do Resistance Training

  • Choose an appropriate weight or resistant force. If you can't perform at least eight repetitions, the weight is too heavy. If you can easily perform more than 15, it's too light.
  • Perform exercises with proper form. Incorrect form not only lessens the effectiveness of the exercise but also exposes you to injury.
  • Take one to two minutes rest between sets
  • Aim to train muscle groups at least two times per week

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Resistance Training

Resistance Training comes with myriad benefits, such as improved physical performance, better metabolic rate, positive impact on mental health, and a greater sense of wellbeing.

However, drawbacks may include potential for injury if not performed with the correct technique or without proper training, and a potential initial investment in training equipment.

How to Improve Your Resistance Training

Enhancing the results of your Resistance Training can be achieved by:

  • Gradual progression of weights
  • Increasing training volume
  • Altering exercises routinely
  • Ensuring a balanced diet
  • Ensuring adequate rest

Related terms

  1. Repetitions
  2. Sets
  3. Hypertrophy
  4. Strength
  5. Endurance

Resistance Training Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the difference between weight lifting and resistance training? While weight lifting is a type of resistance training where weights are used, resistance training also includes body weight exercises, activities with resistance bands, or exercises on gym machines.
  • How often should I do resistance training? Ideally, beginners should start with two days per week, whereas more experienced individuals can target up to five days per week.

In Summary

Resistance Training is an essential aspect of a fitness program. Understood in its totality including its benefits, the scientific concepts involved, and the techniques for effective training can greatly push your fitness and health to the next level. By providing strength and endurance, it is a key ingredient for successful personal fitness.