Objective To explore the effects of resistance training on hypoxia?induced skeletal muscle atrophy in rats and provide a theoretical basis to solve the problem of skeletal muscle atrophy of athletes in altitude training. Methods 24 male 8?week?old SD rats (mean body weight 230 g) were divided into 4 groups: normoxia control group (C), resistance training group (R), hypoxia group (H) and hypoxia and resistance training group (HR). The groups H and HR were placed into environment simulated 4000 m altitude (12. 4%, O2 %). Moreover, the groups R and HR received resistance training. After the 4?week hypoxia and resistance training intervention, the body composition, wet weight of skeletal muscle (soleus, musculus gastrocnemius, extensor digitorum longus and musculus biceps brachii) and skeletal muscle cross?sectional area (CSA) were measured and analyzed. Results The muscle mass of HR group was significantly higher than the group H ( P < 0. 01). The wet weight and CSA of musculus biceps brachii in the group HR were also significantly higher than the group H ( P < 0. 05). Conclusions Resistance training can help to prevent the occurrence of hypoxia?induced skeletal muscle atrophy. Resistance ladder training can stimulate the hypertrophy of biceps brachii.