Strength Training Definition: Why It’s So Confusing

I often write about the importance of strength training, and highlight it in my speaking engagements, as well. But then, it’s come to my attention, when someone in my Facebook group asked:

Why are classes like Group Power or Body Pump considered endurance and not strength training? I mean, participants are lifting substantial weights, and doing multiple sets on each muscle group, just faster than you would in a typical strength training setting. So why does it not ‘count’ towards increased muscular strength?

Original source: here.

And then I realized — most people either don’t know what strength training is, or have a completely false perspective of what it is.

It’s so basic that I thought everyone had a clear understanding of what strength training is — but I was wrong. Today, we’ll make it right, and give a clear, official (Igor-official, that is) definition of strength training.

So what’s the definition of strength training? Here it is:

Strength training is anything that makes you stronger.

Sound obvious? Maybe as if it doesn’t even need to be written? Maybe. But maybe not. There’s a lot more “under the surface” of this definition, so let’s break it down.