Decreased central arterial compliance is an emerging risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Resistance training is associated with reductions in the elastic properties of central arteries. Currently, it is not known whether this reduction is from one bout of resistance exercise or from an adaptation to multiple bouts of resistance training. Sixteen healthy sedentary or recreationally-active adults (11 males/five females, 27±1 yr) were studied under parallel experimental conditions on two separate days. The order of experiments was randomized between resistance exercise (nine resistance exercises at 75% of one-repetition maximum) and sham control (seated rest in the exercise room). Baseline hemodynamic values were not different between the two experimental conditions. Carotid arterial compliance (via simultaneous B-mode ultrasound and applanation tonometry) decreased and -stiffness index increased (P<0.01) immediately and 30 minutes after resistance exercise. Immediately after resistance exercise, carotid systolic blood pressure increased (P<0.01) though no changes were observed in brachial systolic blood pressure at any time points. These measures returned to baseline values within 60 minutes after the completion of resistance exercise. No significant changes in these variables were observed during the sham control condition. These results indicate that one bout of resistance exercise acutely decreases central arterial compliance, but this effect is sustained for less than 60 minutes after the completion of resistance exercise.