Objective To investigate the effects of strength training and flexibility training on the strategy of crossing obstacles for the elderly women and the risk of tripping over obstacles. Methods Twenty five elderly women were randomly divided into strength training group (n=13) and flexibility training group (n=12), and received corresponding intervention training for 12 weeks. The kinematics data of obstacle crossing were collected using an infrared three-dimensional (3D) motion capture system before and after training. Results Both strength training and flexibility training could significantly improve the gait speed (P=0.033), stride length (P=0.020) and toe distance (P=0.014) during 25 cm obstacle crossing. The interactive effect of training and time was significant for the crossing height (15 cm：P=0.025；25cm：P=0.019). The interactive effect of training and time was significant for the margin of stability (MOS)in the internal-external direction during 25 cm obstacle crossing (P＜0.05). The minimum MOS in the first single support period (P=0.046) and the MOS at the time when the toe crossed directly above the obstacle (P=0.043) in strength training group were significantly increased. Conclusions Both strength training and flexibility training can improve the spatiotemporal characteristics of the elderly women during obstacle crossing. Compared with flexibility, muscle strength is the most important reason that restricts the crossing height of the elderly women. Strength training can effectively reduce the risk of tripping over obstacles by improving the crossing height and dynamic stability of elderly women.