Women Cut Cardiovascular Disease Risk 20% With 2 Hours of Strength Training Weekly
Updated
Updated · Baptist Health South Florida · Jul 5
Women Cut Cardiovascular Disease Risk 20% With 2 Hours of Strength Training Weekly
3 articles · Updated · Baptist Health South Florida · Jul 5
Summary
More than 117,000 women tracked for an average 14.5 years showed a 20% lower risk of major cardiovascular disease among those doing at least two hours of resistance training a week.
The lowest overall risk appeared in women who paired strength training with regular aerobic exercise and spent less time sitting, suggesting resistance work adds to rather than replaces cardio.
Heart attack risk showed a particularly strong reduction, while experts said the findings broaden prevention options against heart disease, the leading cause of death among U.S. women.
Researchers said more studies are needed to explain how resistance training protects the heart and whether some groups of women could benefit even more.
Is strength training the key to offsetting unique heart risks women face from pregnancy, menopause, and autoimmune diseases?
Beyond the 120-minute mark where heart benefits plateau, what are the real gains for women who continue to lift?
Strength Training Cuts Women's Heart Attack Risk: Landmark 15-Year Study Reveals Major Cardiovascular Benefits
Overview
A major study published in June 2026 in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology found that strength training plays a crucial role in protecting women's heart health. Over nearly 15 years, researchers discovered that women who engaged in higher levels of resistance training had a lower risk of major cardiovascular disease, especially heart attacks. The study, led by Tianyue Zhang and Edward Giovannucci, focused on how practical and accessible strength training can be for women. While the benefits were clear for heart attacks, the study did not find a strong link between strength training and reduced stroke risk.