Strength Training Cuts Early Death Risk 10-17% With 30-60 Weekly Minutes
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
Strength Training Cuts Early Death Risk 10-17% With 30-60 Weekly Minutes
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
Summary
Just 30-60 minutes of muscle-strengthening exercise a week is linked to a 10-17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, while experts say it also improves function and quality of life with age.
Two 20-30 minute sessions a week are enough to start, with beginners urged to focus on squats, push-ups, rowing movements and planks, then add resistance or repetitions gradually.
Bodyweight moves and household items can replace gym equipment, though gym-goers can center training on squats, bench presses and deadlifts to work the whole body.
Adults over 70 also benefit, researchers say, and combining resistance training with cardio is associated with a 58% lower risk of early death.