[Resistance exercise improves serum lipids in adult women].

BACKGROUND Sedentariness is one of the main cardiovascular risk factors. Aerobic exercise can reduce the risk; however, resistance training seems to be more effective in reducing cardiovascular risk. AIM To determine the metabolic effects of a 12 weeks resistance training program of high intensity and low volume in two groups of sedentary adult women. MATERIAL AND METHODS Forty women aged between 30 and 60 years were randomly assigned to an experimental group and a control group. Four kinds of strength exercises, using their own body weight were chosen. Plasma lipid profile and body composition were measured at baseline and at the end of the intervention. RESULTS A reduction in total cholesterol and triacylglycerol and an increase in HDL cholesterol was observed in the experimental group after the training program. CONCLUSIONS The high intensity and low volume training improved plasma lipid profile in this group of women.