Everyone wants to stay young at heart, but are they willing to lift weights to do it?
For years, people believed that cardio—running, walking, or cycling—was the best way to improve heart health. But newer research shows that strength training might actually have a greater impact. A study of over 4,000 people found that while both cardio and resistance training lower the risk of heart disease, weightlifting had a stronger effect. One reason is that the oxygen expenditure during strength training is higher, which benefits the circulatory system.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., responsible for one in four deaths and over 735,000 heart attacks every year. The good news is that it’s largely preventable. The American Heart Association confirms that regular exercise and a healthy diet are two of the most effective ways to improve heart health and lower the risk of heart disease.
For those over 50, strength training is even more important. As we age, muscle mass naturally declines unless we take action to maintain it. Lifting weights helps counteract that loss while also reducing blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and keeping blood flowing properly. Strength training can also help prevent obesity, which is a major contributor to heart disease.
Research continues to show that staying active at any age makes a difference. One study found that women over 70 who exercised regularly were 11 percent less likely to develop heart failure, and those who exercised the most reduced their risk by 35 percent. And it doesn’t take hours in the gym to see benefits—even a brisk 20-minute walk improves heart function. But adding strength training to your routine offers even greater rewards.
If you’re not already strength training, now is the time to start. And we’d love to help. Whether you’re new to lifting weights or looking for expert guidance, we’re here to make it simple, safe, and effective. Your heart will thank you.