Obesity is associated with impaired respiratory function. As a significant correlation exists between respiratory function, muscle strength and lean body mass, the aim of this study was to examine the effects of low intensity resistance training as an initial intervention, on respiratory function in obese individuals. Both resistance bands and free weights were used to examine the effectiveness of resistance bands as a training mode. Fifteen obese individuals, ten female and five male (mean age 53.9, range 27-75; mean BMI 38.0, range 30.4 to 46.2) volunteered for the study. Participants allocated to resistance band (n=9) or weights groups (n=6) trained twice a week with intensity monitored by HR and RPE. Measurements include: Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1) (spirometer) and quadriceps strength (cybex). A repeated measure MANOVA with planned contrasts was used to examine differences within and between groups and Spearman rho was used to assess the relationship between muscle strength and FVC and FEV. No significant differences were found within group or between groups (all variables p>0.05) after training. Correlation was found between quadriceps strength and FVC and FEV1 both before and after training (r between 0.78 and 0.85, p<0.01). Therefore, low intensity resistance training at this frequency is insufficient to induce significant strength changes in this population. The correlation between muscle strength and respiratory function suggests that higher training intensity and/or frequency which will increase strength and lean body mass is needed in order to enhance respiratory changes.