One of out five Americans experiences lower-back discomfort. Eighty percent of these lower-back problems are muscular in nature, and can be corrected with strengthening exercises for the lower back and abdominal areas.

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis. It is associated with a progressive loss of articular cartilage around the involved joint. Strength training improves the strength and function of the surrounding connective tissue that is often damaged by this disease, and is thought to reduce pain and functional instability osteoarthritic patients.