resistance training: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Neutral to formal; common in fitness, medical, and athletic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “resistance training” mean?
A form of exercise that involves working against a force to improve muscular strength, endurance, and size.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A form of exercise that involves working against a force to improve muscular strength, endurance, and size.
Refers broadly to any physical training where muscles contract against an external resistance, including free weights, machines, elastic bands, or body weight. In a metaphorical sense, can describe preparing to withstand opposition or difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. Both use the term identically.
Connotations
Slightly more clinical/technical in connotation compared to the more layperson term 'weight training'.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both fitness and physiotherapy contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “resistance training” in a Sentence
[Subject] does/engages in/performs resistance training.[Subject] incorporates resistance training into [their routine].Resistance training for [body part/goal].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “resistance training” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- She resistance trains twice weekly to maintain bone density.
- The physio advised him to start resistance training.
American English
- He resistance trains every other day at the gym.
- You should resistance train to boost your metabolism.
adverb
British English
- She works out resistance-trainingly. (Rare/Unnatural; standard adverbial form not typical)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form. Use phrases like 'through resistance training'.)
adjective
British English
- Her resistance-training regimen is meticulously planned.
- We offer resistance-training classes.
American English
- He follows a solid resistance-training protocol.
- Resistance-training benefits are well-documented.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the wellness, gym, and fitness equipment industries.
Academic
Frequent in sports science, physiology, and public health research.
Everyday
Common in discussions about gym routines, health, and fitness goals.
Technical
Precise term in exercise prescription, physiotherapy, and athletic coaching.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “resistance training”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “resistance training”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “resistance training”
- Using 'resistance training' to refer specifically to training with resistance bands only. (It's broader).
- Confusing it with 'interval training'.
- Incorrectly using as a verb: 'I resistance trained yesterday.' (Better: 'I did resistance training.')
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when appropriately prescribed and supervised, it is highly beneficial for combating sarcopenia (muscle loss) and osteoporosis, improving balance and metabolic health.
Resistance training primarily stresses the musculoskeletal system to improve strength and muscle mass, often in short bursts. Cardio (aerobic exercise) stresses the cardiovascular system to improve heart and lung endurance over sustained periods.
General guidelines recommend at least 2 non-consecutive days per week, targeting all major muscle groups, with adequate rest between sessions for the same muscle group.
Absolutely. Bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges, and planks are effective forms of resistance training. Resistance bands also offer versatile and portable options.
A form of exercise that involves working against a force to improve muscular strength, endurance, and size.
Resistance training is usually neutral to formal; common in fitness, medical, and athletic contexts. in register.
Resistance training: in British English it is pronounced /rɪˈzɪs.təns ˌtreɪ.nɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /rəˈzɪs.təns ˌtreɪ.nɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms. The term is itself technical.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: RESISTing a weight's pull during TRAINING.
Conceptual Metaphor
BUILDING/SCULPTING (the body as a structure being improved), OVERCOMING/FIGHTING (against a force).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT typically a primary goal of resistance training?