Prevalence and correlates of resistance training in the Queensland population

Research has shown that the core components of physical activity, cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, balance, and flexibility, can provide many health benefits and potentially slow the physiological aging clock. National health authorities have successfully moved the aerobic exercise message to the public. In contrast, the many health benefits of resistance training and the need to have strong muscles to allow movement have received less attention. The primary aim of this research was to assess the prevalence of resistance training (RT) in a representative sample of adults. A Computer-Assisted-Telephone-Interview (CATI) system at the Population Research Laboratory at Central Queensland University administered the 2006 Queensland Social Survey. A sample of 1230 respondents grouped by gender, age and physical activity (PA) level participated. Respondents were asked to report the frequency with which they engaged in RT. Prevalence estimates were mutually adjusted for by age, gender and PA levels. Almost 14% of the population did some form of gym-based resistance training in the week prior to the survey. No significant difference in prevalence between men (12.5%) and women (14.8%). 35-44 year-olds were 41% less likely to perform RT than the 18-34 age group. 45-54 year-olds were 64%, and 55 and older were 84% less likely to perform RT than the 18-34 age group. Respondents who attained sufficient level of PA above the public health dose were 82% more likely to perform RT than those insufficiently active. The findings underscore the need to increase education on the benefits of strength training among targeted adult populations.