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Barbara Hasty, 43, works out with the bicep pull-down machine at the Fitness Zone. Weight training is a good way to keep bones strong.
Laura Eubanks works out at Bodyworks in Fredericksburg. She lifts weights three to four times a week.
Vicki Farley, 49, works her back muscles on the pull-down machine. She works out four to five times a week at the Bodyworks Downtown Athletic Club. Weight lifting strengthens muscles that she uses as a dental hygienist. 'It keeps me going in my job,' she says.
Barbara Hasty works out at the Fitness Zone in Spotsylvania five times a week. Strength training helps women maintain muscle mass as they age. |
Want to try weight lifting?
Experts say women should start by doing lots of repetitions with small weights. Be sure to change your routine every two months so your body will be challenged and you won't get bored.
If you work out at a gym, ask a personal trainer to come up with a program that suits your needs and ability.
If you want to work out at home, buy sets of small weights, from one pound up to 10 pounds, and check out books or videos on weight lifting.
One book that fitness experts recommend is "Strong Women Stay Young" by Miriam E. Nelson. Another popular book is "Body for Life" by Bill Phillips.
