NETA Personal Trainer Practice Exam

How often should adults ideally perform resistance training according to general guidelines?

1. 1-2 days per week

2. 2-3 days per week

3. 3-4 days per week

4. 4-5 days per week

The correct answer is: 2-3 days per week

Adults should ideally perform resistance training 2-3 days per week to experience optimal benefits for muscle strength and overall health. This recommendation aligns with guidelines from authoritative health organizations, which emphasize the importance of including resistance exercises as part of a balanced exercise regimen. Engaging in resistance training on this schedule allows individuals adequate recovery time for muscle groups, promotes muscle growth and endurance, and contributes to improved metabolic health. Additionally, this frequency is manageable for most adults, helping to increase adherence to exercise programs. If resistance training is performed with greater frequency, such as 4-5 days per week, it may not provide ample recovery time, especially if the same muscle groups are targeted, which can lead to overtraining or potential injuries. On the other hand, performing it only 1-2 days a week might not be sufficient to realize the full range of health and fitness benefits associated with regular resistance exercise. Therefore, 2-3 days per week strikes a balance promoting effective training and recovery.