Physical activity
Should I do strength activities?
Strength activities work your major muscles against some kind of resistance. These activities increase muscle tissue, which helps to control weight. Strength activities may be the most important part of overall fitness for older adults because it helps them to stay independent, improves their ability to perform daily activities, increases their strength, and increases bone density.
Examples of strength activities include:
- Heavy yard work such as cutting and piling wood
- Raking and carrying leaves
- Lifting groceries
- Exercises like push-ups and abdominal curls
- Weight/strength training routines
If you do not do any strength activities right now, it is important that you start slowly and then progress. Two or three times per week of doing strength activities is enough to get benefits, but be sure to have a day of rest between sessions. For more information on strengthening exercises and exercises you can do at home, visit
More topics
Endurance or cardiovascular activity
Should I do stretching or flexibility exercises?
