Overview
The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of a 12-week coached Starting Strength barbell training program on systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults aged 18-100 years
- Sedentary or minimally active (less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week)
- No participation in structured resistance training programs within the past 6 months.
- Able to safely participate in resistance training as determined by medical screening
- Willing to commit to 3 training sessions per week for 12 weeks
- Able to provide informed consent
- Willing to obtain pre- and post-intervention laboratory tests from the same laboratory company.
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current participation in structured resistance training programs
- Cardiovascular disease requiring activity restriction
- Uncontrolled hypertension (systolic BP \>180 mm Hg or diastolic BP \>110 mm Hg)
- Musculoskeletal conditions precluding safe barbell training
- Changes in lipid-lowering or antihypertensive medications within 3 months prior to enrollment
- Known cardiovascular, metabolic, or renal disease that would preclude safe participation in resistance training
