Resistance exercise increases muscle mass regardless of age. It also increases strength and muscle power, and it improves body composition and glucose tolerance. Through resistance exercise, daily tasks such as carrying groceries and changing a tire become easier. Resistance exercise also decreases the risk of falling, enhances bone density, and slows the decline of bone mass with age. It improves balance and coordination, enhances appearance and self-confidence, and improves overall quality of life.

In the case of frail elderly individuals, resistance exercise training may be a prerequisite before individuals are capable of starting an aerobic exercise program such as walking.¹

1. Information taken from American College of Sports Medicine’s Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, Seventh Edition, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.