Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults

"You don't stop exercising because you grow old. You grow old because you stop exercising." —Anonymous

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.
• Interactive Questionnaire — 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.
• Exercises — From warmup to cooldown.
• FAQs — Frequently Asked Questions about exercise.
• Resources — Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults print-friendly PDF version, fitness and nutrition links and more.

Back to Top

Privacy Policy | Accessibility

Home | About Us | Site Map | Contact Us

CDC Home | Search | Health Topics A-Z

This page last updated November 06, 2003

United States Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Division of Nutrition and Physical Activity