The Health Benefits of Resistance Exercise: Beyond Hypertrophy and Big Weights

Abstract

It is well established that exercise is associated with a reduced risk of several chronic diseases. Currently, aerobic training (AT) receives primary attention in physical activity guidelines with a recommendation for ~150 min of moderate-to-vigorous AT weekly. In most physical activity guidelines, resistance training (RT) is termed a beneficial activity, with a recommendation to engage in strengthening activities twice weekly. However, we propose that the health benefits of RT are underappreciated. There is evidence, established and emerging, that RT can, in many respects, elicit similar health benefits to AT. When combined, AT and RT may yield ostensibly optimal health benefits versus performing either exercise exclusively. We discuss the health benefits of engaging in RT, including healthy aging, improved mobility, cognitive function, cancer survivorship, and metabolic health in persons with obesity and type 2 diabetes—all of which can influence morbidity and mortality. Many of the health benefits of RT can be achieved by lifting lighter loads to volitional failure, highlighting that the benefits of RT do not necessarily require lifting heavier weights. Accumulating evidence also shows a lower mortality risk in those who regularly perform RT. To optimize health, especially with aging, RT should be emphasized in physical activity guidelines in addition to AT.