I swear by weight lifting for building muscle and getting strong. But I often neglect bodyweight exercises, which not only help with muscle growth, but can also help to improve balance, flexibility and stability, all of which can improve overall health.
This is why Pilates can be such an effective way to build functional strength, and, in theory, all you need is a yoga mat. I've done a few classes in the past, but found that the studio sessions were quite expensive.
