Which of the following is NOT a benefit of cardio training?

In the context of cardiovascular training, the primary benefits are often related to heart and respiratory efficiency, along with improved endurance and overall health. Cardio training is designed to enhance the body’s ability to utilize oxygen, build endurance, and lower the resting heart rate, which contributes to cardiovascular health.

Decreasing resting heart rate and improving endurance are both direct outcomes of regular cardiovascular exercise; the heart becomes more efficient at pumping blood, and the cardiovascular system can better support prolonged physical activity. Additionally, engaging in regular cardio has been shown to significantly lower the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases by improving heart health and circulation.

On the other hand, while some forms of cardio training can support muscle retention and maintenance, especially when combined with resistance training, it is not primarily focused on increasing muscle mass. The goal of cardio is typically more aligned with cardiovascular fitness and endurance rather than hypertrophy (muscle growth) which is more effectively achieved through strength training methods. Therefore, increased muscle mass is not considered a direct benefit of cardio training, making it the correct choice for the question.