Weight-training can help keep your bones sturdy and reduce your risk for fractures. The mild stress placed on bones during resistance exercise actually encourages cells to form new bone. This can offset age-related declines in bone health and even improve your bone mineral density.

Regular resistance training can significantly slash your risk for heart disease or a stroke. Greater muscle mass seems to make it easier for the body to maintain healthy blood sugar levels, which could help keep inflammation in check and ultimately protect your heart.

Light lifting doesn’t involve jumping, pounding, or sudden changes in direction, so there’s less wear and tear on your joints. As a result, you won’t find yourself sidelined by achy knees or ankles after a workout.