Lifting weights for less than an hour a week can cut your risk of a heart attack or stroke by 40 to 70 per cent, according to new US research.
The study, which looked at nearly 13,000 adults, found spending extra time in the weight room didn’t have any additional benefits.
Instead under than an hour of weekly resistance exercise – compared to none – dropped the risk of metabolic syndrome, which increases risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, by 29 per cent.
The risk of high cholesterol was lowered by 32 per cent – and that’s just from weight training alone.
Even two sets of bench presses that take less than five minutes could be beneficial, the researchers say.
Do you even lift?
So how can you take up lifting weights – and stick with it?
The reality is it’s much easier for us to go for a walk or jump on the bike than it is to do activities that involve lifting.
The study team says membership at a gym – such as this Adelaide one – could be the answer. Many retirement villages and land lease communities also offer a gym as part of their community facilities.
But lifting any weight that increases resistance on your muscles is the key – whether it’s digging in the garden, carrying in the groceries or lifting dumbbells.
Time to stop leaving the shopping to your partner?
Discussion1 Comment
Great to see articles like this one but unfortunately it only tells part of the story when it comes to resistance training and its importance as you age. The other silent debilitating health factor is Sarcopenia……..which most people have never heard of yet it affects almost everyone and can have a devastating effect on your independence in your retirement years. To add to the information above you might like to read my article titled “Why Strength Training is SO Important as You Start Ageing”. Here is the link for you: https://www.steamtrainfitness.com/active-ageing/strength-training-important-start-aging/