Topic: Health
A long-running study found that 90-120 minutes of strength training per week may be the ideal range for reducing the risk of death. Combining strength training with aerobic exercise showed even greater benefits.
A recent study analyzed data from three major studies and followed participants for up to 30 years. The researchers wanted to determine whether strength training alone or combined with aerobic exercise could influence the risks of death.
The study found that higher long-term levels of weekly strength training were associated with a lower risk of death. Specifically, participants who performed 90-119 minutes of strength training per week had a 13% lower risk of death from any cause. This range was also linked to a 19% lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease and a 27% lower risk of death from neurological disease.
The researchers also found that combining strength training with aerobic exercise showed even greater benefits. Participants who accumulated high levels of aerobic activity (30-44 MET hours per week) and moderate strength training (60-119 minutes per week) had a 45% lower risk of death.
In contrast, doing more than 120 minutes of strength training per week did not show any additional benefits. The study suggests that the ideal range for reducing the risk of death may be around 90-120 minutes of strength training per week.
The researchers analyzed data from over 147,000 participants and found that nearly half (46%) reported doing some form of strength training. Over the 30-year follow-up period, 35,798 participants died.
Overall, the study highlights the importance of regular strength training for overall health and longevity.
Why It Matters
This study is important because it shows that incorporating strength training into your routine can have a significant impact on your risk of death. As Indian students prepare for their future, understanding how to prioritize their physical health can be crucial.
Key Facts
- The ideal range for reducing the risk of death through strength training may be around 90-120 minutes per week.
- Combining strength training with aerobic exercise showed even greater benefits.
- Doing more than 120 minutes of strength training per week did not show any additional benefits.
- Higher long-term levels of weekly strength training were associated with a lower risk of death.
- The study analyzed data from over 147,000 participants and followed them for up to 30 years.
Key Terms
- MET hours
- A measure of how many calories are burned during physical activity compared with resting
Implications
This study is important because it shows that incorporating strength training into your routine can have a significant impact on your risk of death. As Indian students prepare for their future, understanding how to prioritize their physical health can be crucial.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/06/260611024609.htm
Journal Reference:
- Yiwen Zhang, Dong Hoon Lee, Leandro F M Rezende, Yuan Ma, Edward Giovannucci. Long-term resistance training with all-cause and cause-specific mortality: assessing dose-response and joint associations with aerobic physical activity. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 2026; bjsports-2025-110503 DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110503
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