If you don't have muscle fitness, you're not in shape. Aerobics may burn calories and improve cardiovascular stamina, but weight training provides multiple benefits. In addition to building muscle, it improves balance and stability - which becomes increasingly important as people age and are more prone to falls. Weight training also builds greater support for one's spine, which can straighten posture, and ease chronic back pain. In addition, greater strength builds greater confidence, said DiBrezzo.
Women tend to feel empowered and more self-reliant when they know their muscles are in shape.
Because DiBrezzo and Fort had selected older women to participate in the study, they were particularly interested to see how the subjects would adapt to the weight room - an environment typically filled with young fitness buffs and athletes. You can see how far these women came in eight weeks.