Bone and muscle aren’t discrete entities: Recent research has uncovered that skeletal muscle mass is associated with bone strength in certain parts of the body. The more muscle you have, the healthier your bones are, too.

As we age, our bones become more brittle, which is especially true for postmenopausal women, since estrogen protects bones. Make sure to incorporate weight training into your routine—it’s a vital part of maintaining strong, healthy bones. And getting toned Michelle Obama arms in the process literally helps build the strength behind a beautiful, healthy woman!

MORE: Enhance Your Muscle Workout