Why is muscle strength important?
Muscle strength supports many everyday activities, including walking, climbing stairs, lifting, reaching, standing and maintaining balance.
Strengthening exercises are commonly used in rehabilitation and fitness programmes.
Who can benefit?
Appropriate strengthening programmes may benefit:
- People recovering from injury
- Older adults
- People returning to activity after surgery
- Sports participants
- Individuals working towards improved fitness
- People experiencing muscle weakness
Examples of strengthening exercises
Depending on the individual’s ability, exercises may include:
- Sit-to-stand exercises
- Squats or modified squats
- Resistance-band exercises
- Leg strengthening
- Core exercises
- Upper-limb strengthening
Progression matters
A strengthening programme should gradually challenge the muscles while considering symptoms, technique, recovery and individual goals.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I perform strengthening exercises?
Frequency depends on the exercise programme, fitness level, health status and rehabilitation goals.
Can strengthening exercises be used after injury?
Yes. Strengthening is commonly incorporated into rehabilitation when appropriate.
Strength and fitness rehabilitation at THE MPRC
At THE MPRC in Choolai, Chennai, exercise programmes are selected and progressed according to individual needs and functional goals.
Explore our physiotherapy treatments
Heal to Move.
Further reading: NHS: Strength and flexibility.