Age and muscle loss

On average, adults who do not strength-train regularly lose 4 to 6 pounds of muscle per decade.

Over time, lost muscle strength can put everyday activities - walking, cleaning, shopping, even dressing - out of reach. It hampers your ability to cope with and recover from illness or injury, and lost muscle mass can lead to dangerous falls that may cause disability or even death. Strength and power training bring other specific benefits too, such as better blood sugar control and slower bone loss.

Strength training can rebuild muscle, make you stronger, increase endurance, and ease daily activities. Federal activity guidelines recommend strength training at least two days a week for most adults. Beginners should start with exercise bands or light hand weights; the more experienced can opt for weight machines.