Quick, when you hear "working out with weights," what's the first image that comes to mind? Chances are it's a sweaty, muscle-bound guy pumping iron.

But Robert Sallis, MD, says lifting weights (or resistance training) is actually a good idea for the elderly and those who suffer from common complaints like bad knees.

"As we age, we lose muscle—especially women," Dr. Sallis says. "Women over the age of 70 lose 70 to 80 percent of muscle strength."

Resistance training can help stop that loss. Dr. Sallis points out that people shouldn't think of resistance training as something just for the young. Done properly, it has many of the same cardiovascular benefits of jogging or other sports.

"Some people who've been injured or have joint pain think they have a hall pass from exercising," Dr. Sallis adds. "But the point is there's always something you can do, and weight training is a great option that most people don't think of."

Pumping iron doesn't mean having to go to a gym or buy expensive equipment. It can be as simple as investing in inexpensive dumbbells, many of which now have soft padding.

filed in: Exercise & Fitness
subjects: exercise, prevention