What does resistance training involve?

Resistance training involves any type of training where resistance is applied to induce muscle contraction, which helps improve strength, endurance, muscle size, and overall fitness. This resistance can come from various sources, including free weights, resistance bands, body weight, or machines. The principal objective is to work against a force, leading to adaptations in muscle strength and growth.

In contrast to this, training without weights primarily refers to bodyweight exercises, which can be a form of resistance training but do not encompass the full scope of resistance training as it includes the use of external weights or resistance devices. Cardio exercises mainly focus on improving cardiovascular endurance rather than muscle strength, and training focused solely on endurance does not capture the broader benefits of resistance training, which also enhances muscle power and size.