As described the "passive" musculoskeletal system (bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments) is in a damaged general state due to normal aging processes and years of inactivity. When taking up training with quick intensification, there is the risk of overstrain. Thus, one should start and increase moderately. The consequences of overstrain caused by e.g. an early and considerable increase of weights are, among other things, inflammations, problems in the joints, aching enthesis and sore muscles. Furthermore, patients with osteoporosis risk damages in the bones.

All named problems result in a forced break. As all other forced breaks due to infection, bad weather, poor general state etc., means: further loss of strength and muscle mass simply by doing nothing. However, due to COPD and actual risks, this can only be controlled to a limited extent, self-assessment is all the more important during and after a training (immediately afterwards and on the next day).

Criteria for evaluating strength training
Normal	Overload
During strength training:
muscles work, harden, perhaps muscle tremor, muscle fatigue great effort required circulation works pressure on the joints	aching muscles forced expiration, severe breathlessness, circulation problems high pressure on joints, aching joints
After strength training:
muscles are temporarily "empty": weakness. Example training on the leg press: immediately afterwards it is much harder than usual to climb stairs because one is temporarily out of strength one should recover relatively quickly	extreme weakness reactions of circulation and respiration range from poor recovery to circulation problems/circulatory collapse incapable of managing activities of daily life for several hours
On the next day:
one feels "older than usual" everything is a little sore moving feels a little more difficult than usual	physical exhaustion aching joints and muscles/sore muscles incapability of managing activities of daily life
Exercise to get a better understanding of cardiovascular responses during strength training Exercise to get a better understanding of cardiovascular responses during strength training. Put a long straw in your mouth and breathe through it during the exercise and up to 2 minutes afterwards. Place a heavy weight on the leg press which you are able to lift 10 times at the most. Perform all repetitions in a row with relatively high speed. Another option would be to carry 1-2 beverage crates to the first or second floor. You will be able to observe the following cardiovascular responses: First of all, you will feel the strong muscle tension/heavy load. After termination of the exercise, you will feel the strain of the working muscles fade and feel relieved. After 10-20 seconds later, you will unintentionally draw one to several deep breaths: eventually, the exertion from the legs arrives at the centre (through circulation). Shortly after, you will feel, as well, that your heart works harder. At the same time, you will notice a little more pressure on your rib cage. Afterwards, your system will eventually cool down and you are able to take deep breaths as calmly as before the exercise: the cardiovascular response is over and everything is normalising.