Strength training usually refers to weightlifting, but it also can include such sports as cycling, hiking, and bowling. Flexibility Flexibility comes from stretching exercises, which help you move more freely. Although stretching doesn't burn as many calories as aerobic exercise, it helps prevent injuries and improve posture. Stretching is especially good for people with weak backs and arthritis or other joint pain. Although your balance can deteriorate with age, you can improve it through exercise.
Good balance helps prevent falls, a major cause of injuries that often lead to dependence.
Exercises to improve balance strengthen leg muscles. There are exercises you can do at home to improve your endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Remember that your workouts don't have to be physically punishing to be effective. The key is to do some sort of physical activity for an accumulated 30 minutes over the course of every day, if possible. This guide, produced by the National Institute on Aging, NASA, and the U.S. Public Health Service, describes the four main areas of fitness and provides examples of each to do at home.