Weekly weight training 'cuts risk of early death' - study

Engaging in just 90 minutes of weight training each week can substantially lower the risk of premature death, a new study suggests. Experts found that individuals who regularly participate in resistance training reduce their likelihood of dying from any cause by 13%. This benefit extends to a 19% reduction in the risk of death from conditions like heart disease and stroke. Furthermore, the study indicates a 27% lower risk of dying from neurological diseases for those who lift weights or use resistance bands, even when accounting for aerobic exercise. Researchers emphasize that exceeding two hours of strength training weekly does not yield additional health advantages. The findings, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, analyzed data from 147,374 participants over three decades. The study highlighted that the lowest mortality risks were observed in individuals who combined significant aerobic exercise with strength training, or those with very high levels of aerobic activity. Strength training encompassed exercises using weights, body weight, or resistance bands.