Strength Training for Heart Health
Strength training boosts muscular strength and endurance; helps your body handle blood sugars; reduces blood pressure; and increases lean body mass, which can help prevent weight gain. "As you age, you lose lean body mass and gain fat mass," Franklin says. The upshot? Because you're losing lean body mass, which burns more calories than fat, you gain weight. However, when you do strength training, you maintain lean body mass and prevent weight gain.

Do strength training for your entire body twice a week, completing one set of eight to 12 repetitions for each muscle group. As you progress, increase to two or three sets. If you're not sure where to start, work with a certified personal trainer for one or two sessions, or buy an instructional DVD or book.

Pair your strength training and aerobic activities with a heart-friendly diet and you'll be well on your way to building a stronger, healthier heart.

Caution: If you have been sedentary for awhile, check with your physician before starting any exercise regimen.

Medically reviewed by: Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD, writer and editor of hundreds of medical articles for print, Internet, and CD-ROM products. Review date: November 4, 2008.

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