What impact does lifting weights have on muscle growth when performed correctly?

Lifting weights, when done correctly, enhances muscle growth through a process known as hypertrophy. This occurs as the muscles respond to the stress imposed by resistance training, leading to micro-tears in muscle fibers. The body repairs these tears, and as a result, the muscle fibers increase in size and strength. The mechanical tension, muscle damage, and metabolic stress involved in weight lifting stimulate various cellular processes that contribute to muscle development.

In addition to physiological changes, progressive overload—gradually increasing the weights you lift—ensures continued adaptation of the muscles, further promoting growth. Hormones like testosterone and growth hormone are also positively affected by resistance training, leading to enhanced muscle protein synthesis and development over time.

While other options suggest that weight lifting may reduce or stabilize muscle size or have no effect, these do not align with the well-documented benefits of resistance training on muscle growth. Properly executed weight lifting leads to significant improvements in muscle strength and size, making it a vital component of any fitness regimen focused on muscle development.