When gaining weight, what type of training should be emphasized?

Emphasizing resistance training with heavier weights is essential for individuals looking to gain weight, particularly in the form of muscle mass. This approach stimulates muscle hypertrophy, which is the increase in the size of muscle fibers. When heavier weights are used, the body is forced to adapt to the increased load by building more muscle tissue to handle future strains.

This type of training also contributes to increased strength and metabolic rate, enhancing caloric expenditure even at rest. By focusing on compound movements such as squats, deadlifts, and bench presses, individuals can effectively target multiple muscle groups, resulting in a more balanced muscle gain and overall functional strength.

In contrast, cardiovascular training primarily focuses on improving endurance and cardiovascular health, which can lead to weight loss or maintenance rather than weight gain. Lightweights with high repetition can also enhance muscular endurance but may not provide the same stimulus for muscle growth, particularly if the weights are not sufficiently challenging. Lastly, yoga and flexibility exercises are beneficial for mobility and stress relief but do not contribute significantly to muscle mass gain.