Researchers say regular strength training may help us live longer. Scientists followed the exercise habits of 150,000 adults for 30 years. The study found that people who did regular amounts of strength training had a lower risk of dying at a younger age. The researchers believe that the exercise protected people from problems like heart disease, strokes, and mental illnesses. People who did up to two hours of training every week had a 19 per cent reduced risk of dying from heart disease and a 27 per cent lower risk of dying from a mental illness.
The researchers said our muscles are important for helping us live longer. Stronger muscles give many health benefits. Muscles control how much sugar and harmful fats are in our body. If our muscles are not active, they do not burn up so much sugar. Instead, this is turned into body fat. This can lead to diabetes, heart disease and other health problems. A website advised people to walk, cycle, swim, "or do whatever gets your heart rate up". It also said weights were good. The study is published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
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Strength Training - Level 0, Strength Training - Level 1 or Strength Training - Level 3
Sources- https://medicalxpress.com/news/2026-06-people-weights-longer.html
- https://www.zmescience.com/strength-medicine/strength-training-longevity-sweet-spot/
- https://theconversation.com/people-who-lift-weights-live-longer-new-study-284787
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