According to general fitness recommendations, how often should adults perform strength training?

The recommendation for adults to perform strength training twice a week for all major muscle groups is based on guidelines published by organizations such as the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Engaging in strength training at this frequency is beneficial because it helps to enhance muscle strength, increase endurance, and improve overall muscular fitness.

Working all major muscle groups—including the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms—twice a week ensures a balanced development, reduces the risk of injury, and promotes functional fitness, which is essential for daily activities. This frequency allows for sufficient recovery time between sessions, which is crucial for muscle repair and growth, thereby optimizing the benefits of the training regimen.

In contrast, training once a week may not provide enough stimulus for significant strength gains, while daily strength training could lead to overtraining and increase the risk of injury, particularly if adequate rest and recovery time are not included. Performing strength training only as needed could lead to inconsistent workouts and missed opportunities for the health benefits associated with regular strength training.