Compounds & interventions

Strength training

Medicine & Biotech · covered by 24 outlets this week · tracked since 2026-10-27

Press: 33 mainstream 39 specialist 50 independent outlet-days

What it is

Evidence 9/10 · thoroughly established Signals · no signals reported

Strength or resistance training is exercise that loads the muscles against weight or bands to make them stronger, now recommended by the WHO at least twice a week for all adults. It is in the news because large reviews keep confirming its benefits for muscle, bone, blood sugar and longevity, and because people losing weight on GLP-1 drugs are being advised to lift to protect muscle. The evidence is among the strongest in preventive medicine; the open questions are about doses, how heavy and how often, not about whether it works.

The score describes resistance training for strength, muscle and bone in adults, including older adults. Claims for specific protocols, supplements or very high volumes are less settled.

  • RegulatorThe WHO 2020 physical activity guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activity on two or more days a week for all adults, including those over 65. source
  • TrialRandomised trials in older adults show resistance training improves strength and physical function and lowers fall risk; injury rates in supervised programmes are low.
  • MarketWidely available and unregulated; most advice online comes from trainers and influencers rather than trials.

Written by the Alivewire editors from the coverage below, 1d ago; rated 1d ago. Not medical advice; how the ratings work.

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