Strength training is the use of resistance to muscular contraction to build the strength, anaerobic endurance and size of skeletal muscles. When properly performed, strength training as a component of exercise can provide significant functional benefits and improvement in overall health and well-being. Benefits to strength training exercise includes increased bone, muscle, tendon and ligament strength and toughness, improved joint function, reduced potential for injury, increased bone density, a temporary increase in metabolism, improved cardiac function, and elevated HDL (good) cholesterol.