The effects of 12 wk of exercise training using weighted vests on bone turnover and isokinetic strength were evaluated in postmenopausal women randomly assigned as exercisers (EX; n = 9) or controls (CON; n = 7). Training included 3 multimodal exercise sessions per wk wearing weighted vests. The vest load was progressively increased each wk to a maximum of 15% of body weight. Bone turnover was determined from resting levels of serum osteocalcin and NTx. Knee and ankle strength were measured at 60 degrees/s and 180 degrees/s using an isokinetic dynamometer. After 12 wk, NTx decreased by 14.5% (P <or= .05) in EX, with no significant changes in osteocalcin. EX also showed a 40% (P <or= .05) improvement in ankle plantar-flexion strength at 60 degrees/s. Relative body fat significantly decreased and fat-free mass increased in EX. Exercise compliance was 80%. These findings support the use of progressive exercise training using weighted vests in postmenopausal women.