In brief
Exercise that makes your muscles work against resistance, such as push-ups, squats, lunges or lifting weights. It builds and keeps muscle strength and helps your bones.
- healthdirect suggests resistance training 3 times a week, alongside 2.5 hours of aerobic exercise, to help with loss of muscle mass.
- Balance and strength exercise is one way to lower the risk of falling.
- Exercise should not be painful.
How it works
Australia's guidelines recommend muscle-strengthening activities on at least 2 days each week, such as push-ups, pull-ups, squats or lunges, and lifting weights. Household tasks that involve lifting, carrying or digging count too.
Exercise, especially resistance (strength) training, is very important for improving muscle mass and strength, which can fall with age and inactivity. Walking and strength training can also improve bone density, and a diet rich in protein helps build muscle.
Connections
3 connections on the map. Select a topic to read its page.
Strength training supports
Exercise, especially resistance (strength) training, is very important for improving muscle mass and strength.
Strength training can lower
Exercises such as walking and strength training can improve your bone density.
Strength training can ease
Exercise, especially resistance (strength) training, is very important for improving muscle mass and strength.
Sources
- Physical activity and exercise guidelines for adults
- Loss of muscle mass
- Osteoporosis
- Exercise and mental health
Each connection above names its own source. See every source AskBioMap uses.
Summarised from the Australian Government guidelines and healthdirect. Sources read on 16 October 2026. General education only, not medical advice. Spotted a mistake? Please tell us through the HuBu-Intel contact page.