Conclusion
muscle mass
In conclusion, the results of this study show that free weight RT is generally safe and effective for middle-aged women. Free weight, moderate-intensity RT twice a week leads to an increase in 1-RM squat and bench press performance, as well as an increase in muscle mass and a decrease in fat mass in pre-menopausal middle-aged women. In post-menopausal women, RT induces an increase in dynamic strength but not in muscle mass, which can be induced by RT irrespective of intensity. However, there is some evidence that a higher intensity led to better effects on muscle mass. It seems that the general recommendations for anaerobic exercises, such as resistance training, do not lead to increases in muscle mass and decreases in fat mass in post-menopausal women [