Research
Mixed
Resistance training reduces blood pressure in non-hypertensive populations, but evidence for hypertensive patients is currently insufficient due to a lack of dedicated trials.
If you have hypertension, resistance training may help, but the evidence is less robust than for aerobic exercise. Focus on moderate intensity (70% 1RM) and dynamic movements rather than pure static holds. Consult a physician before starting.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials (12 study groups) on mostly dynamic resistance training revealed a weighted net reduction in blood pressure of 3.2 (P = 0.10)/3.5 (P < 0.01) mmHg associated with exercise... only three trials were conducted in hypertensive patients, so that no reliable conclusions can be drawn for those patients, in whom more studies are needed.
Why this rating
Based on only 9 trials with mixed populations and limited hypertensive data.
Source
Effect of exercise on blood pressure control in hypertensive patients
Robert Fagard et al. · European Journal of Cardiovascular Prevention & Rehabilitation · 2007
DOI 10.1097/hjr.0b013e3280128bbb
Meta-analysis · 81 studiesCited 438×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
More from this paper
- Dynamic aerobic endurance training significantly reduces resting and daytime ambulatory blood pressure in hypertensive patients, with effects mediated by reduced systemic vascular resistance and sympathetic tone.Strong
- Endurance training reduces blood pressure primarily by lowering systemic vascular resistance through decreased sympathetic nervous system activity and renin-angiotensin system activity.Good
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