Which of the following adaptations is NOT a benefit of endurance training?

In endurance training, the primary focus is on improving aerobic capacity and stamina, which leads to a variety of physiological adaptations beneficial to performance and overall health. Among these adaptations, improved body composition and increased connective tissue strength are both desirable outcomes. Endurance training can lead to a healthier balance of muscle and fat, which contributes positively to body composition. Additionally, training can enhance the strength and resilience of connective tissues, fostering better joint stability and reducing injury risk.

Increased bone density is also a noteworthy adaptation associated with weight-bearing and resistance activities; however, endurance training typically does not target bone density as effectively as resistance training does. While some endurance activities can contribute to bone health, they are not as explicitly linked to increased bone density as other forms of training.

On the other hand, a decreased basal metabolic rate is not a benefit of endurance training. In fact, consistent endurance training usually helps to either maintain or increase metabolic rate due to increased muscle mass and improved metabolic efficiency, countering the notion of a decreased basal metabolic rate. Therefore, it is correct to identify the decreased basal metabolic rate as not being a benefit of endurance training.