Many people look for an activity that improves them in every way possible; weightlifting is the best activity in the world to achieve these goals! Weight lifting offers many benefits and can improve the quality of life of anyone who practices it. Weight lifting is one of the activities that, together with other exercises and a proper diet, will improve your overall health, physical performance and mentality. First and foremost, the health benefits that come from lifting weights are numerous and immense. Weight lifting increases muscle strength and also increases bone density. Increased bone density is one of the most beneficial side effects produced by weight lifting (Sidrah). During weight lifting and other weight-bearing exercises, the stress placed on the bones by weight and muscle contraction makes the bones denser and stronger (Sidrah). Building denser bones is extremely important for older adults and especially older women. Osteoporosis is the gradual thinning of bone mass and bone density (“osteoporosis”). Osteoporosis is a very common disease among women and it is estimated that approximately 1 in 5 women in the United States of America over the age of 50 suffer from osteoporosis (“Osteoporosis”). At least half of women over 50 will suffer a fracture of a major bone such as the hip, spine, arm or wrist (“osteoperosis”). Osteoporosis is a very painful, debilitating and even fatal disease that can be prevented through a good diet and, above all, physical activity such as weight lifting. Studies have shown that the risk of osteoporosis is lower for more active people and especially for those who participate in activities such as weight lifting (“Bone Builders”). The AME... in the middle of the paper... the Los Angeles Times. June 25, 1986. Web. November 28, 2011.."Osteoporosis." Network. November 28, 2011.."Physical Activity: Strength Training for Older Adults: Why Strength Training?" Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Network. November 28, 2011. Pratley, R., B. Nicklas, M. Rubin, J. Miller, A. Smith, M. Smith, B. Hurley, and A. Goldberg. "Strength Training Increases Resting Metabolic Rate and Norepinephrine Levels in Healthy Men Aged 50 to 65." Journal of Applied Physiology. 1994. Network. November 28, 2011..Bean, Anita. The complete guide to strength training. London: A. & C. Black, 2008. GoogleBooks.