Introduction
Welcome to Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults! If
you're interested in feeling stronger, healthier, and more vital, this
program is for you. This strength-training program was developed by experts
at Tufts University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC).
Growing Stronger is an exercise program based upon sound scientific
research involving strengthening exercises—exercises that have been shown
to increase the strength of your muscles, maintain the integrity of your
bones, and improve your balance, coordination, and mobility. In addition,
strength training can help reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic
diseases, including arthritis.
If you're not physically active now, Growing Stronger will help you make daily activity a regular part of your life by building the essential strength that makes all movement easier and more enjoyable.
- Why strength training? The benefits, research and background.
- Ready to Get Strong? — Start by answering seven questions to determine if you should check with your doctor before you start.
- Motivation — Motivation tips, setting goals and celebrating success.
- Preparation — Stages of change, equipment needs, safety and more.
- Intensity — How to judge your effort.
- Progression — When and when not to increase intensity, how and why it's important.
- Staying On Track — Includes log sheets with motivational and instructional tips. These log sheets will help you accurately monitor your progress in strength training.
- Exercises — From warmup to cooldown.
- Frequently Asked Questions — Frequently Asked Questions about exercise.
- Resources — Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults print-friendly PDF version, fitness and nutrition links and more.
Please note: Some of these publications are available for download only as *.pdf files. These files require Adobe Acrobat Reader in order to be viewed. Please review the information on downloading and using Acrobat Reader software.
* Links to non-Federal organizations found at this site are provided solely as a service to our users. These links do not constitute an endorsement of these organizations or their programs by CDC or the Federal Government, and none should be inferred. CDC is not responsible for the content of the individual organization Web pages found at these links.
Page last updated: May 22, 2007
Content Source: Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion