The adaptational changes and health implications of resistance exercise are very dynamic and variable to each individual. For long-lasting change, there needs to be a systematic administration of a sufficient stimulus, followed by an adaptation of the individual, and then the introduction of a new, progressively greater stimulus. Whether training for sports performance or health enhancement, much of the success of the program will be attributable to the effectiveness of the exercise prescription in manipulating the progression of the resistance stimulus, the variation in the program design and the individualization of the program (Kraemer, 1994) . Most recently, the positive health benefits of physical activity have gained high recognition attributable to the Surgeon General's report on health and physical activity. The purpose of this article is to highlight many of the physiological adaptations and health benefits that occur with resistance training programs.