How does strength training influence metabolic rate?

Strength training positively influences metabolic rate primarily by increasing resting metabolic rate (RMR). This occurs for several reasons:

First, strength training builds muscle mass, and muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue. When an individual engages in regular resistance training, even at rest, more muscle mass leads to a higher basal metabolic rate. This means that the body burns more calories throughout the day, not just during the exercise session, contributing to overall energy expenditure.

Second, strength training can induce a phenomenon known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC), where the body's metabolism remains elevated for a period after the workout to recover and repair muscle tissues. This also contributes to an overall increase in energy expenditure beyond just the calories burned during the exercise itself.

The other options do not align with how strength training affects metabolic processes. The notion that it decreases resting metabolic rate contradicts the foundational understanding of muscle physiology, while claiming there is no effect overlooks the established benefits of resistance training on muscle and metabolism. Furthermore, stating that it only impacts calorie burning during exercise disregards the long-term benefits of increased muscle mass and the resulting higher metabolic rate at rest.