For Longevity Lift Some Weights?

I don’t know if you’ve picked up on the recent story about a new study in which 100,000 people were observed over 10 years or so and which discovered that those whose exercise consisted only of strength training once or twice per week (i.e. no other exercise) were 9% less likely to die from any cause except cancer.

In addition, the study suggested that anyone who did one or two days of strength training every week interspersed with aerobic exercise could look expect a 41% lower death risk than people who did no exercise.

So the strong message from this research is that combining aerobic exercise and weightlifting offers the best chance of a longer life!

Note: The study was conducted on a demographic with an average age of 71 years.

Let’s face it, any exercise is better for your health than no exercise. Laying the foundations earlier on lin life will help with supporting the skeleton as we age and joint and bones deteriorate and thin. Strength training weight lifting is important as way of developing better muscle mass, healthier muscle and stave-off loss in bone density.

As a PT I will always advocate aerobic exercise and strength training in appropriate combinations for my clients.

Incidentally the NHS recommends adults aged 65 and over to participate in activities that will help to improve strength, balance and flexibility for two days each week, in addition to two and a half hours of moderate intensity activity each week. Functional fitness (reaching, sitting to standing, pulling and pushing) is vital for maintaining enjoyment or everyday essential activities with less pain, loss of range of motion and increased stamina.

Acknowledgements

Time magazine: Weight Lifting May Help You Live Longer, Study Says | Time

British Journal of Sports Medicine:https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/early/2022/08/08/bjsports-2021-105315