Regularly exercising with weights is associated with a lower risk of premature death, according to the largest study of its kind. Researchers found that combining weightlifting with aerobic activities offers even greater benefits. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
The study analysed data from nearly 100,000 adults with an average age of 71, who were part of a US screening study. Participants reported their weightlifting activity and other exercise habits. Around 23% engaged in weightlifting, and 16% did so at least one to six times per week.
During a follow-up period of 9.6 years, there were 28,477 deaths. Adults who reported weightlifting had a 9% lower risk of death from any cause. Those who met aerobic activity guidelines had a 32% lower risk, while those who did both weightlifting and aerobic exercise had a 41% to 47% lower risk.
The researchers noted that other muscle-strengthening activities, such as push-ups, squats, and pilates, may also be beneficial. They concluded that older adults would likely benefit from adding weightlifting to their physical activity routines.
