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Topic Overview

Resistance (strength) training exercise can improve your overall physical health and ability to do daily activities. It can also lower or prevent the bone loss associated with menopause.

These exercises use weights or elastic bands to help improve muscle strength and increase exercise endurance. The increased muscle mass helps your body use energy more efficiently. Resistance training is often combined with aerobic exercise, such as walking or running. This helps control weight, improve heart health, and decrease the demands made on the heart during daily activities, such as carrying groceries.

Resistance training is part of most cardiac rehabilitation programs.

You will get the most benefit from resistance exercises when you do them at least 2 days a week.

Related Information

• Fitness: Getting and Staying Active
• Osteoporosis
• Physical Therapy

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