ABSTRACT Introduction This study compares the acute and chronic response of high‐load resistance training (HL) to low‐load resistance training with low blood flow restriction (LL‐BFR) pressure. Methods Participants completed elbow flexion with either HL or LL‐BFR or nonexercise. In the chronic study, participants in the HL and LL‐BFR groups were trained for 8 weeks to determine differences in muscle size and strength. The acute study examined the changes in pretesting/posttesting (Pre/Post) torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate. Results In the chronic study, similar changes in muscle size and strength were observed for both HL and LL‐BFR. In the acute study, Pre/Post changes in the torque, muscle swelling, and blood lactate were similar between HL and LL‐BFR. Discussion Our findings indicate that pressure as low as 50% arterial occlusion can produce similar changes in muscle mass and strength compared with traditional HL. Muscle Nerve 56: E126–E133, 2017