>         Absolutely. I suggest walking or any other activity based solely
on it's
> contribution to the maintenance or gaining of strength. Your ability to
> hold or gain muscle is the single most important indicator of health as
> your hormones, relationships, finances, physical activities, diet, etc.,
> must all be in order for one to keep or gain muscle. Muscle is the most
> significant contributor to metabolic rate and thus the most important
> contributor to the control of body fat levels.

is the size as relevant, or more relevant, as the strength in health terms?
Also, is power as opposed to strength an issue? More power means greater
nerve 'strength' or capacity to recruit nerv fibres repeatedly in a given
time frame; could this influence general health also in some way?

Andrew