It's well known that exercise is essential to good health and longevity. But what is the impact of combining different types of exercise activity?
A new study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that people who combined weight training (one or two times per week) and aerobic activities experienced up to a 47% lower risk of early death compared to people who did not exercise.
Overall, participants who lifted weights had a 9% to 14% lower mortality while those meeting the guidelines for aerobic activity (150 minutes a week) had a 32% lower risk of early mortality.
The research found that women who exercised had a greater decrease in mortality risk than men.
Lower mortality risk was not apparent for cancer.
Keep in mind that resistance training and aerobic activity have significant positive affects on your health:
Top 10 Benefits of Physical Activity
Improve your memory and brain function (all age groups)
Protect against many chronic diseases
Aid in weight management
Lower blood pressure and improve heart health
Improve your quality of sleep
Reduce feelings of anxiety and depression
Combat cancer-related fatigue.
If you exercise, keep it up and combine aerobic and anaerobic activity. If you don't exercise now is the time to start. Here are the Mayo Clinic's top five ways to get started:
As you begin your fitness program, keep these tips in mind:
Start slowly and build up gradually. Give yourself plenty of time to warm up and cool down with easy walking or gentle stretching
Break things up if you have to
Be creative
Listen to your body
Be flexible.
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The information on this website is for educational purposes only and not meant to replace medical advice.