Strong muscles improve quality of life. They’re particularly important for athletic performance. And if you aren’t an athlete, it’s still wonderful to be able to tote heavy bags of groceries with ease, stow a suitcase in the overhead bin on a train or plane, or carry a child. Little-used muscles weaken, potentially leading to injuries, falls, and disability, especially in older people.

The way to keep muscles strong is to use them, of course—and, in particular, to work them to their limit periodically. That means doing some sort of strength training with weights (dumbbells and barbells), exercise machines, or other resistance devices. A balanced strength-training program is good not only for your muscles, but also for your bones, back, balance, and aging brain.

One of the nice things about strength training is that you can do a lot by yourself at home. Still, access to good equipment at a gym and a trainer, at least initially, is an advantage. Some basic knowledge helps too. L

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