Optimizing Strength Training in Older Adults

Eligibility Criteria

• * Males and females aged 65 years and above
• * Inactive lifestyle (\< 150 min per week of moderate intensity physical activity) and not regularly participating in a structured strength training program
• * Planning to reside in the area for the duration of the study
• * Severe cardiac disease, including Class III or IV congestive heart failure, clinically significant aortic stenosis, history of cardiac arrest, use of a cardiac defibrillator, or uncontrolled angina
• * Lung disease requiring either oral or injected steroids, or the use of supplemental oxygen
• * Short, portable mental status questionnaire with 3 or more errors
• * Severe arthritis (either osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis)
• * Cancer requiring treatment in the past 1 year (melanomas excluded)
• * Development of chest pain or severe shortness of breath during the 6 min self-paced walk test
• * Parkinson's disease or other serious neurological disorders
• * Renal disease requiring dialysis
• * Current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder
• * Current consumption of more than 14 alcoholic drinks per week
• * Severe lower back or shoulder pain that may worsen with weightlifting exercises
• * Undergoing physical therapy involving the lower extremities
• * Living in nursing homes, assisted living facilities or other similar institutions
• * Currently enrolled in another randomized trial involving a pharmaceutical or lifestyle intervention
• * Weight change (intentional or not) over the last 6 months of \> 5% of body weight, or plan to lose or gain weight during the study
• * Any other cardiovascular, pulmonary, orthopedic, neurologic, or other conditions that would preclude participation and successful completion of the protocol
• * Severe hypertension, e.g., SBP \> 200 mm Hg, DBP \> 110 mm Hg
• * Major surgery or fracture or hip/knee replacement within the last 6 months
• * Hospitalization within the last 6 months (excluding ER visits)