Regular weightlifting is associated with a lower risk of premature death from all causes except cancer, according to a new study.
The research also found that a weekly exercise routine combining weight training and aerobic activities may provide additional benefits.
In the study, researchers separately and jointly assessed the potential effects of weightlifting and aerobic exercise on the risk of death among older adults.
“Our finding that mortality risk appeared to be lowest among those who engaged in both types of exercise provides strong support for current recommendations to participate in aerobic activities and muscle-strengthening exercises,” the study stated.
“Older adults would likely benefit from incorporating weightlifting into their regular physical activity routines.”
The researchers found that both weight training and aerobic exercise were independently associated with a lower risk of death from all causes, including cardiovascular disease, but not cancer.
The findings also suggested that lifting weights once or twice a week was associated with a 14% lower risk of death.
According to the researchers, the lowest risk of death was observed among participants who reported engaging in both types of physical activity.
