Harvard Study Links 90-119 Minutes of Strength Training to 13% Lower Death Risk
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
Harvard Study Links 90-119 Minutes of Strength Training to 13% Lower Death Risk
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 7
Summary
147,374 adults tracked for up to 30 years showed a 13% lower all-cause death risk among people doing 90 to 119 minutes of resistance training a week versus none.
That range was also tied to a 19% lower risk of cardiovascular death and a 27% lower risk of neurological death, largely dementia-related.
Up to 45% lower mortality appeared in adults who combined resistance training with aerobic exercise, making the mixed routine the study’s strongest result.
About 120 minutes a week marked the apparent ceiling for added benefit, with no further mortality reduction beyond that level.
The researchers said the study shows association, not causation, and its self-reported exercise data and mostly white, middle-aged and older health-professional sample may limit broader applicability.
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Harvard Study Finds 30% Drop in Early Death Risk with Twice-Weekly Strength Training
Overview
A new Harvard-led study published in June 2026 is changing how experts view exercise and longevity. For years, public health advice focused mainly on aerobic activities like running and swimming, which are great for heart health. However, this approach overlooked the crucial role of strength training. The latest research shows that prioritizing only aerobic exercise was a mistake. Strength training offers powerful benefits, such as preventing muscle loss (sarcopenia) as we age, reducing frailty, and supporting overall health and longer life. These findings are now reshaping recommendations, highlighting strength training as essential for healthy aging.