Weight lifting is a physical activity in which the individual tones and builds muscle strength by using muscles to lift weight against gravity. Weight lifting has been evaluated related to risks and benefits for patients at risk for or with lymphedema and historically patients with lymphedema had been advised to avoid lifting weight in usual daily activities, such as carrying items weighing more tha a few pounds. Recent studies in lymphedema among patients with breast cancer have shown that weight lifting does not appear to exacerbate lymphedema. It should be noted that research in this area has involved training patients how to safely lift weights and, in some cases, the exercises are supervised.