Background. Few studies have demonstrated that different combinations of calorie restriction (CR) and aerobic exercise training improved aerobic capacity (Redman et al., 2007; Weiss et al., 2017) but did not change muscle strength (Weiss et al., 2017) in adult overweight subjects. However, the effect of six-month program combined of moderate intensity aerobic exercise (150 min/week) and 12.5% of CR on aerobic capacity and muscle strength remains unclear.The aim of the present study was to estimate the effect of a six-month aerobic exercise with CR program on muscle strength and aerobic capacity in middle-aged, overweight and obese women.Methods. Twenty-six overweight and obese sedentary women (36–56 years of age, body mass index (BMI) 25.0–37.5 kg/m2) were recruited and randomly allocated to either control or experimental aerobic exercise with CR program group for six-month period. Changes in handgrip strength, knee extension and flexion strength and aerobic capacity (VO2peak) were measured.Results. Absolute peak VO2 (P < 0.001) and normalized peak VO2 (P = 0.013) significantly increased after the aerobic exercise with CR program. A greater normalized peak VO2 (P < 0.001) was observed after the aerobic exercise and CR intervention compared with the control group. However, no effect was estimated on muscle strength in this study.Conclusions. The combined 6-month aerobic exercise with CR program improved the aerobic capacity in middle-aged, overweight and obese women, but had no effect on isometric and isokinetic strength.Keywords: diet; physical exercise; obesity; muscle; cardiovascular fitness.