That's a very good question, and it's one that you need to discuss with your doctor. The answer will depend on your particular condition - how high your blood pressure is, whether you're taking medication, and if there are any other medical concerns to consider. In general, though, our research at Tufts, as well as research done in other laboratories, has not found that strength training has an adverse effect on high blood pressure. If your physician gives you a go-ahead, he or she will probably remind you that it's important not to hold your breath when you lift, since that increases pressure in your chest. The easiest way to avoid the problem is to count out loud as you do the exercises.