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Mouse Study Finds Resistance Training Outperforms Running for Metabolic Health

Researchers say the preclinical results warrant human trials before changing exercise advice.

Overview

  • In diet-induced obese mice, resistance exercise produced larger gains in glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity than voluntary running.
  • Both modalities reduced subcutaneous and visceral fat, with greater reductions observed in the resistance-trained group.
  • The team created a progressive mouse weightlifting model that required squat-like lifts of a weighted lid to access food over eight weeks.
  • Improvements in the resistance group were linked to enhanced insulin signaling in skeletal muscle that could not be explained solely by muscle mass.
  • Study authors advise combining resistance and endurance training, and independent experts emphasize sustainable choices and the need for human validation.