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Resistance Training

Resistance training has two different, sometimes confused meanings - a more broad meaning that refers to any training that uses a resistance to the force of muscular contraction (better termed strength training), and elastic or hydraulic resistance, which refers to a specific type of strength training that uses elastic or hydraulic tension to provide this resistance. This article discusses the more limited definition, of elastic/hydraulic resistance training.

Basic principles

Resistance training is a form of strength training in which each effort is performed against a specific opposing force generated by resistance (i.e. resistance to being pushed, squeezed, stretched or bent). Exercises are isotonic if a body part is moving against the force. Exercises are isometric if a body part is holding still against the force. Resistance exercise is used to develop the strength and size of skeletal muscles Properly performed, resistance training can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being.
The goal of resistance training, according to the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI), is to "gradually and progressively overload the musculoskeletal system so it gets stronger." Research shows that regular resistance training will strengthen and tone muscles and increase bone mass. Resistance training should not be confused with weightlifting, power lifting or bodybuilding, which are competitive sports involving different types of strength training with non-elastic forces such as gravity (weight training or plometrics) an immovable resistance (isometric, usually the body's own muscles or a structural feature such as a door frame). Full range of motion is important in resistance training because muscle overload occurs only at the specific joint angles where the muscle is worked.
Benefits

85% of strength-training injuries and muscle soreness occur with eccentric contractions . Resistance training performed in water does not typically involve eccentric contractions so is easier on the joints, and allows for a wider audience. Typically people with back problems, joint problems, or severe issues are referred to water aerobics. People within these special areas (stroke, heart attack, bone injury, etc) don't have to worry about gravity and the eccentric injuries that come with it.

Drawback

For those who wish to increase muscle size and toughness, the lack of a heavy eccentric load or eccentric contraction can limit the amount of muscular hypertrophy that would occur if training sessions include these eccentric components.