Live to Lift:
The Surprising Longevity Benefits of Weight Training
I’m a big fan of Medscape Medical News‘ emails.
What I love about them is that their articles are super concise and straight to the point. But what really gets me is their witty subject lines. I mean, seriously, take their December newsletter, for example: “Christmas: A Time for Love and… Penile Fractures.”
Talk about grabbing your attention!
Let’s be honest, I couldn’t resist clicking on it (and guys, if you hear a snap during sex, please head to the ER – ASAP).
After reading that study, I found another one that caught my attention: “How Strength Training Can Extend Your Lifespan.“
Imagine if a strength training routine could be turned into a face cream – it would be the ultimate anti-aging secret for women.
While we all want to live longer, it’s really about how we live those extra years that truly matter.
But, I ask you, what good are those extra years if you don’t have the strength, fitness and health to enjoy the things you love to do? (FYI: I ‘stole’ this from my website Over Fifty Fitness.)
Here are some cool stats to geek out over from a 2022 study review:
Muscle-strengthening activities were linked to a 15% lower risk of dying during the time frames in which all the studies reviewed were conducted.
Resistance exercise was also linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease (17%), cancer (12%), and diabetes (17%).
Strength training can also reduce the signs and symptoms of many chronic conditions, such as arthritis, back pain, obesity, heart disease and depression.
And the great news? It’s never too late to start!
Noted on Science Daily, after doing a monitored strength training workout for 12 weeks, people over the age of 90 improved their strength, power and muscle mass.
And that was with just twice-a-week training.
Long and short, stronger men and women have a much lower risk of dying during a given period than people with less strength. They also have a better quality of life while they enjoy those extra years.
While controversy is rampant in the fitness arena, all professionals agree on this one thing – strength training leads to a lower risk of early death and will improve your quality of life.
End of story.
So, lucky for us, we all lift heavy sh*t on a weekly basis with our workouts.
Here’s to aging strong. 💪🏻 💪🏽 💪🏿
Hi, I’m PJ Wren.
I’ve been working with people of all ages, all fitness abilities, and varying fitness goals for over two decades.
I’ve helped thousands of women over the years who are just like you, feel more energized, stronger, and more confident in their bodies. I turn gym goers and non-believers of getting fit at home into believers, with at-home workouts that will give you the results you want, no gym equipment or crazy diet required!
I’m passionate about women over 40 because I am over 40 myself.
I know what it feels like to be middle-aged, and what it’s like to have a hot flash while looking for my bloody reading glasses.
I’m honoured you choose me, in the HUGE ocean of fitness professionals, to help you get fit, get strong and get fierce.
I promise to only give it to ya straight while listening to what you want, and what you need.
ox PJ
