This study compares the effects of two resistance training programs in peripheral and respiratory musculature on muscle mass and strength and physical performance, and identify the appropriate muscle mass parameter for assessing the intervention effects. Thirty-seven institutionalized older Spanish adults with sarcopenia were analyzed: Control Group (n=17), Respiratory Muscle Training Group (n=9) and Peripheral Muscle Training Group (n=11). Pre and post-intervention, participants were assessed for Appendicular Skeletal Mass (ASM/height2; ASM/weight; ASM/BMI), isometric knee-extension, arm-flexion and handgrip strength, Inspiratory and Expiratory Maximal Pressures (MIP and MEP), and gait speed. Trained groups participated in a 12-week program and improved in MIP, MEP, knee-extension and arm-flexion (p<.05), while nonsignificant changes were showed in gait speed and ASM indexes between pre and post-intervention in the three groups. In conclusion, resistance training improved skeletal muscle strength in the studied population, and any ASM index was found to be appropriate in detecting changes after physical interventions.