Weight training is better than aerobic exercise for chronic lower back pain, according to a report in the March issue of the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. In addition to gaining strength and flexibility, subjects with chronic lower back pain who used free weights and weight-bearing exercise equipment showed a 60% improvement in pain, disability, and quality of life. But their counterparts who worked out on treadmills or elliptical trainers showed no significant improvements. Both groups exercised three times weekly for 16 weeks.