Research
Mixed
Resistance exercise training (RET) is as effective as aerobic exercise training (AET) for reducing the risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer, and is superior for maintaining physical mobility in older adults.
Incorporate resistance training 2-3 times per week into your routine. You do not need to lift extremely heavy weights; moderate intensity (where you can complete 8-12 reps with some effort) is effective for reducing chronic disease risk and maintaining mobility. This is as important for your long-term health as your cardio workouts.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
there is an emerging body of evidence showing that resistance exercise training (RET) appears to be as effective as AET in reducing risk of several chronic diseases. It may also be that RET is more effective than AET in some regards... evidence favors RET as a potent countermeasure against declines in mobility.
Why this rating
Based on multiple meta-analyses, umbrella reviews, and large cohort studies cited in the review.
Source
Resistance Exercise Training as a Primary Countermeasure to Age-Related Chronic Disease
Jonathan C. Mcleod et al. · Frontiers in Physiology · 2019
narrative_reviewCited 251×
Read the paper This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →