What is the impact of strength training on body composition?

Strength training has a profound impact on body composition primarily by promoting the increase of lean muscle mass while also reducing body fat. When individuals engage in strength training, they stimulate muscle hypertrophy, which leads to an increase in muscle size and strength. This increase in lean muscle mass is crucial because muscle tissue is metabolically active, meaning it burns more calories at rest compared to fat tissue. As muscle mass increases, the basal metabolic rate rises, contributing to fat loss over time.

Additionally, strength training helps to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, which can further aid in fat reduction and enhance overall body composition. The combination of building muscle and reducing fat results in a healthier body composition profile, characterized by a higher ratio of lean mass to fat mass.

The other options do not accurately reflect the comprehensive benefits of strength training. Weight gain as mentioned, may occur but is not the sole outcome and does not account for the ratio of muscle to fat. Stating it has no significant effect overlooks the substantial evidence linking strength training to positive changes in body composition. Lastly, while strength training may have cardiovascular benefits, it is not limited to affecting only cardiovascular health, as its primary influence is on musculoskeletal adaptations and overall body composition.