What are the physiological effects of resistance training?

The physiological effects of resistance training primarily include increased muscle strength and hypertrophy. This occurs because resistance training causes small tears in muscle fibers, which then repair and adapt to better handle the stress from future workouts. This process leads to muscle growth (hypertrophy) and improved strength as the muscle fibers become thicker and more capable of generating force.

Increased muscle strength is essential not only for athletic performance but also for daily functional activities, improving quality of life and reducing the risk of falls and injuries in both young and older populations. Hypertrophy, on the other hand, is particularly significant as it helps in enhancing muscle mass, which can contribute to higher basal metabolic rates and better body composition.

While increased muscle flexibility can be a positive side effect of resistance training, it is not the primary physiological effect associated with it. Similarly, while resistance training can contribute to reduced injury risk and may provide some cardiovascular benefits, the most direct and significant outcomes are indeed improved muscle strength and hypertrophy. Enhanced cardiovascular endurance is generally more closely associated with aerobic training rather than resistance training.