Deep down, we all know that exercise is good for us, but what type of exercise will have the most impact on your long-term health? Well, a new study makes a strong argument for adding a little weight to your workout, as it may reduce the risk of dying from any cause by nearly half.
That’s right, pumping weights could help you live longer.
This wasn’t a small study either. Researchers investigated the exercise habits of nearly 100,000 men and women ages 55 to 74 in the United States. They found that those who combined aerobic exercise with weightlifting once or twice a week had a 47% lower risk of death than those who did neither.
It’s not only about simply surviving, but thriving and maximizing your health span — the years spent in good physical and mental health — as well as your life span. Muscle mass declines quickly as you age, and that affects mobility, metabolic health, and how you recover from injuries like falls.
Interestingly, women benefited more from weightlifting than men, which raises the issue of the gender gym gap. Some weight rooms definitely give off a gym bro vibe, complete with grunting and crashing ironwork. But if this study tells us anything, it’s that lifting weights should be normalized for everyone, whatever their age, gender, or ability.
NB: Given the powerful effect it can have on your health and life span, making time for muscle makes sense.
