Which training type is most associated with increases in fat-free mass?

Which training type is most associated with increases in fat-free mass?

• A. Endurance training
• B. Resistance training
• C. Flexibility training
• D. No training changes

Answer: (B)

This item is about how different training types affect lean body mass, or fat-free mass, which is the tissue excluding fat. When you do resistance training, you overload the muscles with progressive resistance. That stimulates muscle protein synthesis and muscle fiber growth (hypertrophy), so lean tissue increases over time. With adequate protein and recovery, these adaptations add noticeable mass to fat-free tissue.

Endurance training mainly boosts aerobic capacity by improving mitochondrial function and cardiovascular efficiency. It can lead to maintenance or modest changes in lean mass, but it does not promote the same level of muscle hypertrophy as resistance training. Flexibility work focuses on joints, ligaments, and range of motion and doesn’t drive significant increases in lean tissue. Not training at all means lean mass won’t rise either.

So, resistance training is the training type most associated with increases in fat-free mass.