Resistance training linked to reduced risk of premature death

Recent studies indicate that resistance or weight training for 90 minutes to two hours per week significantly lowers the risk of premature death. Data from longitudinal research, including a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine involving nearly 100,000 participants in the United States with an average age of 71, shows clear health benefits. Participants were monitored for approximately a decade, and findings reveal that both aerobic and weight-based exercises independently contribute to a lower mortality rate. Individuals who performed weight training without aerobic exercise experienced a 9% to 22% reduction in mortality risk depending on frequency. Combining both types of physical activity yielded the most significant benefits, according to experts including Bridgitte Swales and Anna Catriona Whittaker from the University of Stirling. Research suggests these activities help prevent cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and neurological conditions. The exercise regimen also supports long-term independence and physical health, as noted by practitioners like Kate Hogarth. The British NHS acknowledges these outcomes as vital for public health and reducing pressure on healthcare systems.