Six adolescents with persistent essential hypertension were examined to determine the effect of weight training on their blood pressure and hemodynamics. Five had first completed an endurance training program; one subject trained only by weight lifting. All subjects were reevaluated after 5±2 months of weight training, and 12±2 months after cessation of training. Endurance training resulted in an increase in ˙VO2 and decreases in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After weight training. ˙VO2 had decreased to the level found prior to endurance training, and body weight was significantly increased. Systolic blood pressure after weight training was 17±4 mm Hg lower than when measured initially (P