Resistance training, or external resistance to improve muscle strength and endurance, has a long and storied history dating back to ancient civilizations. The origins of resistance training can be traced back to ancient Greece, where athletes and soldiers utilized various forms of weight training as part of their training regimens. In Rome, gladiators were also known for their impressive strength and muscular development, which they achieved through weight and other resistance training. The use of resistance training to improve physical fitness and performance continued to evolve over the centuries. By the 19th century, weightlifting had become popular in the Western world.
Did You Know? The Greeks had a physical fitness god named Hermes, who was believed to have invented the foot race.
As the field of sports medicine and exercise science developed, so too did our understanding of the benefits of resistance training. Today, resistance training is a critical component of many fitness regimens. It is used by people of all ages and fitness levels to improve their strength, muscle mass, and overall health. The evolution of resistance training has come a long way from its humble beginnings in ancient Greece and Rome, and it continues to be a vital aspect of modern fitness culture.