What is the primary health benefit of resistance training?

The primary health benefit of resistance training is increased muscle strength and mass. Resistance training, also known as strength training or weight training, involves exercises that cause muscles to work against an external resistance. This type of training stimulates muscle fibers, promoting growth and strength development through physiologic adaptations such as muscle hypertrophy (the increase in muscle size).

As individuals progress with resistance training, they typically experience not just enhanced strength but also improvements in overall functional capacity, which can contribute to better performance in daily activities, reduced risk of injury, and improvement in metabolic health. This enhancement in muscle mass is particularly important as it can support better body composition, increase resting metabolism, and combat age-related muscle loss.

The other options, while they can be associated benefits of a well-rounded fitness program that might include elements of resistance training, are not the primary intent or outcome of resistance training itself. For instance, increased flexibility and range of motion are more directly targeted through stretching and mobility exercises, while improved cardiovascular endurance stems from aerobic exercises rather than from resistance training. Enhanced balance and coordination are benefits of a variety of training modalities but are not the main focus of resistance exercise. Thus, the emphasis on increased muscle strength and mass distinctly defines the primary health benefit of resistance training.