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3. Increasing and restoring bone density, plus osteoporosis prevention -- Osteoporosis is a decrease in bone mass and density, which causes bones to become fragile. As with muscle mass, bone density decreases with age. The more fragile our bones, the more damage we can sustain simply from falling, with fractures happening more easily and taking much longer to heal in many older people. Strength training stresses bones, stimulating them to produce more new bone cells.

4. Decreased risk of heart disease and lowered blood pressure -- Although improvements in cardiovascular health are usually associated with aerobic exercise, strength training will also reduce your risk of heart attack or stroke by reducing body fat, particularly on the abdomen where excess fat is circulated through the cardiovascular system.