Exploring the Role of Resistance Training in the Prevention and Management of Chronic Conditions: A Narrative Review

Physical activity is widely recognized as a fundamental component of health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Historically the focus has primarily been on aerobic exercise, while resistance training has received comparatively less attention. This imbalance underestimates the critical role of muscular performance in supporting physical health, functional capacity, long-term mobility, and overall quality of life. Current physical activity guidelines for Americans recommend that adults engage regularly in both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities. However, only approximately one-quarter of adults in the United States meet these recommendations, despite nearly half achieving recommended levels of aerobic activity alone. Although any form of physical activity can confer health benefits, participation in both aerobic exercise and muscle-strengthening, such as resistance training, produces more comprehensive and substantial health outcomes. As research on resistance training has evolved beyond its traditional focus on athletic performance, a growing body of evidence has demonstrated its effectiveness in the prevention and management of numerous chronic conditions. This narrative review summarizes the role of resistance training in the prevention and management of several prevalent lifestyle-related chronic conditions, including type 2 diabetes, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, and osteoporosis.