Which Strength Training

Obese individuals generally have a reduced muscle strength and mass, which result in an increased risk of disability. In this perspective, strength training represents a good strategy for enhancing function and reducing the obesity-related disability. This chapter aims to provide a general overview on the potential effects of strength training in obese patients. We include a brief description of the strength-related variables that may be useful for practitioners for understanding, planning and structuring resistance training programs appropriate for obese individuals. Given the importance of reducing mechanical stress, leading to increased systolic blood pressure and risk of orthopaedic injuries, recommendations for practitioners in the field are needed. In this chapter we focus on low-intensity, low-velocity resistance training programs which appear to be particularly suited for the obese population.