Get Stronger!

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Strength training is an important exercise to do for good health. It builds muscle mass, strengthens bones, helps control blood sugar, and makes daily activities a little easier. “We have people who began strength training in their 70s and notice they can get in and out of a car more easily, or get off a couch without holding on to something,” says Madhuri Kale, a physical therapist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

You don’t always have to go to a gym to get stronger. There are easy ways to fit strength training into your daily routine at home.

Getting started

Get your doctor’s okay to begin a home strength-training programme. This is especially important if you have arthritis or problems with your heart, balance, or gait.

If you haven’t worked out in a long time, consider getting a physical therapy evaluation to determine your abilities and limitations and to get guidance on a strength-training routine that’s right for your needs. If you’re more active, consider working with a personal trainer to come up with a plan that you can do at home.

Strength training provides benefits

Whether you use weight-training machines, elastic resistance bands, dumbbells, barbells or simply the weight of your own body, you can strengthen your body’s muscles. Benefits include: