Combining Aerobic Exercise and Weightlifting May Reduce Risk of Premature Death

Previous studies have found that engaging in aerobic exercise or weightlifting can provide health benefits. Now a new study suggests that engaging in both aerobic exercise and weightlifting may help reduce the risk of premature death.

Researchers from the University of Utah used data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, which included 99,713 adults with an average age of 71. Participants completed a questionnaire that gathered information about their exercise habits. They were followed for 10 years, and all incidences of mortality were recorded.

Participants who only engaged in weightlifting 1 to 2 timer per week were found to have a 9% reduced risk of premature death compared to those who did not exercise. The risk was further reduced the more times a person lifted weights weekly. Participants who only engaged in aerobic exercise had a 32% reduced risk of premature death compared to those who did not exercise.

Participants who met recommended weekly amounts of aerobic exercise and lifted weights 1 to 2 times per week had a 41% reduced risk of premature death compared to those who did not exercise.

The study was published online ahead of print on September 27, 2002 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.

A previous study found that olive oil consumption was linked with a reduced risk of premature death.