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Hypertrophy Training

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Man Lifting Kettlebells

Key Benefits

1. Increases muscle mass (muscle size / cross-sectional area)

Hypertrophy training reliably increases skeletal muscle mass and cross-sectional area, which is the defining adaptation of hypertrophy-focused resistance training¹ .

2. Increases muscle strength and force output. 

 

While hypertrophy aims at size, it also tends to increase maximal and submaximal strength — helping you lift heavier weights, perform daily tasks more easily, and improve overall muscular capability¹ ² .

3. Improves physical function and mobility (especially important for older adults / across lifespan)

Building muscle mass and strength helps with mobility, balance, and functional movements — reducing risk of falls and supporting independence as you age³.

4. Supports healthy body composition & fat mass reduction / metabolic benefits

More muscle mass increases resting metabolic rate, improves body composition (higher lean mass, lower fat), and may contribute to better metabolic health⁴ .

5. Increases bone density and skeletal health (reduces osteoporosis risk)

Resistance training that loads the skeleton (through resistance/hypertrophy work) stimulates bone remodelling and helps maintain or increase bone mineral density — key for long-term bone health and reducing fracture risk⁵.

Athletic Woman Posing
Muscular Man Posing

Key Benefits

6. Improves metabolic health, glucose regulation and may reduce chronic disease risk

Increased muscle mass and strength from hypertrophy training contribute to better glucose uptake, improved insulin sensitivity, and overall metabolic health — potentially lowering risk of metabolic diseases⁶.

7. Enhances muscular endurance and local muscular work capacity

With appropriate hypertrophy routines (moderate load, moderate to high volume, repeated sets), muscles adapt to sustain longer or repeated contractions — improving endurance at the muscular level⁶.

8. Improves posture, joint stability, and reduces injury risk

Stronger and larger muscles help stabilize joints, improve posture, and provide better support — which can reduce risk of musculoskeletal injuries and joint problems over time⁷.

9. Supports longevity, quality of life, and healthy ageing

Maintaining or increasing muscle mass and strength via hypertrophy training supports functional independence, reduces frailty risk, and is associated with better health outcomes later in life³ ⁶.

10. Allows flexibility in training variables — effective across loads, frequencies, and for different populations

Hypertrophy adaptations are robust and can be achieved with a range of loads (low to high), frequencies, and rest periods — meaning hypertrophy training can be adapted for beginners, older adults, or people with limitations¹ ⁴ ⁸ .

References

1. Mcleod, J.C., Currier, B.S., Lowisz, C.V. and Phillips, S.M., 2024. The influence of resistance exercise training prescription variables on skeletal muscle mass, strength, and physical function in healthy adults: An umbrella review. Journal of sport and health science, 13(1), pp.47-60.

2. Currier, B.S., Mcleod, J.C., Banfield, L., Beyene, J., Welton, N.J., D'Souza, A.C., Keogh, J.A., Lin, L., Coletta, G., Yang, A. and Colenso-Semple, L., 2023. Resistance training prescription for muscle strength and hypertrophy in healthy adults: a systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 57(18), pp.1211-1220.

3. Abou Sawan, S., Nunes, E.A., Lim, C., McKendry, J. and Phillips, S.M., 2023. The health benefits of resistance exercise: beyond hypertrophy and big weights. Exercise, Sport, and Movement, 1(1), p.e00001.

4. Bernárdez-Vázquez, R., Raya-González, J., Castillo, D. and Beato, M., 2022. Resistance training variables for optimization of muscle hypertrophy: An umbrella review. Frontiers in sports and active living, 4, p.949021.

5. Hongu, N., Wells, M.J., Gallaway, P.J. and Bilgic, P., 2015. Resistance training: health benefits and recommendations. Univ Arizona Coop Ext, 21(2), pp.718-728.

6. Bernárdez-Vázquez, R., Raya-González, J., Castillo, D. and Beato, M., 2022. Resistance training variables for optimization of muscle hypertrophy: An umbrella review. Frontiers in sports and active living, 4, p.949021.

7. Better Health Channel (n.d.) Resistance training – health benefits.

8. Grgic, J., Schoenfeld, B.J., Orazem, J. and Sabol, F., 2022. Effects of resistance training performed to repetition failure or non-failure on muscular strength and hypertrophy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of sport and health science, 11(2), pp.202-211.

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