Growing Old Strong – Iron Game History – June 1990

Research validates the contribution of aerobic activities to health and increased longevity. The popular press and professional medical literature abound with stories abut older folks who have sustained their health and still others who have restored themselves to health by aerobic activities such as running, biking, swimming, and walking. It’s clear that aerobic training has had a good press, even for senior citizens. On the other hand, anaerobic activities, such as weight training, could hardly have had a worse press through the years, until very recently. Surely, folk wisdom has traditionally argued, tugging against resistance provided by barbells must ruin the hearts and backs and hasten the demise of even the healthiest of youths and must, therefore, be especially ill-advised for old-timers.