摘要：Low level of physical activity and, consequently, low level of physical fitness is a part of poor living habits in today's society. In addition,it is related to the incidence of many chronic diseases in adult and old age. Because of that, different forms of exercise training are today included in public health recommendations. For many years these recommendations were limited to aerobic and flexibility exercises, but today resistance exercise training is recognized as a powerful tool for health improvements. During the aging process significant reductions in muscle mass and muscle strength occur (sarcopenia). This reduction is visible in slow-twich and fast-twich muscle fibers, as well as in muscle cross-sectional area. The metabolic effects of reduced muscle mass lead to a high prevalence of obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia and hypertension. These risk factors are associated with abnormalities in cardiovascular structures and function. There is a large body of scientific evidence suggesting that resistance training prevents the loss of muscle mass and function when the mechanical stimuli provided by common tasks of daily living are not sufficient to offset aging declines. The increase in muscle mass may reduce multiple cardiovascular disease risk factors. Older people are probably a part of society that could profit the most from resistance training. Aerobic training as well as flexibility exercises can be suggested, but it has to be kept in mind that only resistance training can produce hypertrophy of muscles and strength gains. Enhanced strength in the elderly provides better functional capacity as well as independence, and leads to a greater overall quality of live. Bearing in mind the significant positive health effects of aerobic training, probably the best recommendation for elderly would be to combine resistance training with aerobic training.
