If you have recently started going to the gym, chances are you have come across two often used terms - 'strength training, and 'resistance training.' While these two forms of exercise may seem similar, they have distinct differences in their goals, methods, and outcomes. To help you understand what is the perfect style for your fitness goals, here's a breakdown of the dissimilarities between strength training and resistance training.
Strength Training
The primary goal of strength training is to increase your muscular strength. The purpose of strength training is to improve the ability to exert force against resistance. Some key discerning facts about strength training are:
- Intensity: Strength training typically involves lifting heavy weights at low repetitions. The emphasis is on lifting the maximum amount of weight you can.
- Muscle Adaptation: Strength training helps your muscles adapt to lifting heavy weights by making your nervous system more efficient at recruiting muscle fibres. This contributes to the development of raw strength.
- Equipment: Strength training frequently involves equipment like barbells, dumbbells, and machines that allow you to add significant resistance to your exercises.
- Examples: Classic strength training exercises include bench presses, deadlifts, and weighted squats.
Resistance Training
Resistance training, on the other hand, focuses on building muscle endurance, toning your muscles, and improving overall fitness. It's not solely about raw strength but rather increasing your ability to sustain resistance over time. The factors that set resistance training apart from strength training are:
- Intensity: Resistance training involves lifting moderate weights or using resistance bands at higher repetitions. The emphasis is on maintaining tension in the muscles throughout the exercise and training them to hold weight without constant flexing.
- Muscle Adaptation: Resistance training primarily leads to hypertrophy or muscle growth. It encourages the muscles to increase in size and endurance.
- Equipment: Resistance training can be done with various tools, including resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and even household items. Gym equipment may also be used but with lighter weights and higher repetitions compared to strength training.
- Examples: Resistance training exercises include bicep curls, lunges, and planks.
Which Is Right for You?
Gymgoers and fitness aspirants come across workout fads every day. Which exercise is the best, which diet to take, when to workout, and so on. However, when it comes to strength training vs resistance training, the choice depends on your fitness goals. If you're looking to get stronger and lift heavy weights, strength training is the way to go. On the other hand, if you want to tone your muscles, increase endurance, or focus on aesthetics, resistance training may be more suitable.
In many cases, a well-rounded fitness routine incorporates elements of both strength and resistance training to achieve a balanced and holistic approach to physical fitness. Regardless of your choice, remember to start slowly, use proper form, and consult a fitness professional if you're new to these forms of exercise to ensure safety and effectiveness in your workouts.