What is a key benefit of engaging in strength training?

Engaging in strength training provides numerous benefits, one of which is its ability to increase metabolic rate. When you participate in strength training, you build muscle mass, and muscle tissue requires more energy to maintain than fat tissue. As a result, an increase in muscle leads to a higher resting metabolic rate, which means your body burns more calories at rest. This effect can aid in weight management and overall energy expenditure, making it an essential component of a healthy exercise regimen.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of fitness, do not accurately reflect the key benefit associated with strength training. For instance, strength training is not directed at reducing cardiovascular fitness; in fact, it can support overall fitness levels. It also does not prioritize weight loss specifically since the primary focus is on building strength and muscle. Furthermore, flexibility improvements are typically not the main objective of strength training, which can sometimes even lead to muscle tightness if not balanced appropriately with flexibility exercises.