What it is
Regulatory status: exercise practice
Mechanism evidence: human
At a glance
What it is, why people use it, the evidence, and what to know before trying it.
Why people use it
- Muscular strength
- Muscle mass
- Physical function
- Bone and metabolic health
Evidence at a glance
Strength training reliably improves strength and can increase muscle mass and function. The best program is goal- and person-specific; named exercise lists and weekly splits are examples, not universal prescriptions.
Confidence: strong
Practice safety
Situations where this practice may need modification or professional guidance.
Poor technique, excessive load or inadequate recovery can cause acute or overuse injury. People with significant cardiovascular, musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions may need adapted programming and professional guidance.
- Unstable medical symptoms during exertion
- Acute injury without appropriate modification
- Delayed-onset muscle soreness
- Strain or joint injury
- Transient blood-pressure rise
Forms and variants
This review does not automatically apply to:
- aerobic training
- all high-intensity interval training
- passive recovery
Seen in protocols
Public protocols that include Strength training. Open one to see the full context and source.