Abstract

It is well accepted that heavy resistance training can result in many physiological adaptations, including increased strength and growth of muscle tissue. Many of the mechanisms contributing to these physiological adaptations are not fully understood, and researchers continue to try and determine the factors that contribute to such responses. Although most research regarding the physiologioal responses of resistance training has been conducted with male athletes and participants, research over the last 2 decades has begun to examine gender response differences to resistance training stimuli. This review paper will examine general as well as gender differences in both acute neuromuscular and hormonal response to resistance exercise and chronic adaptations to resistance training. This will help dispel myths associated with females and resistance exercise as well as suggest implications for performance enhancement of female athletes through resistance training. Einleitung