Just Two Hours of This Simple Exercise Habit a Week May Help You Live Longer

Lifting weights for about one to two hours a week may support longer life, especially when combined with aerobic activity. A few sets with weights may seem like a small part of a weekly routine, but the effects may reach far beyond stronger arms or a more defined physique. Evidence is increasingly pointing to strength [...]

Lifting weights for about one to two hours a week may support longer life, especially when combined with aerobic activity. A few sets with weights may seem like a small part of a weekly routine, but the effects may reach far beyond stronger arms or a more defined physique. Evidence is increasingly pointing to strength training as a habit that may support a longer life, even for people who are not spending hours in the gym.

The analysis used data from three major US studies that followed nearly 150,000 nurses and other health professionals for as long as 30 years. Every few years, participants reported how much time they spent doing strength training and aerobic exercise, including walking, cycling, and swimming. Because almost 36,000 participants died during the study period, the data allowed the study