For years, doctors have praised aerobic exercise like walking, swimming, and biking for keeping hearts healthy and bodies strong. But a new wave of research is putting strength training in the spotlight, too.
A large study following nearly 150,000 people for up to 30 years found that just 90 minutes to two hours of weight training each week was linked to a lower risk of dying early. The benefits showed up most clearly for heart disease, stroke, and brain-related conditions like dementia.
This gallery walks through what the study found, why it matters, and how anyone can start building strength, no matter their age or fitness level. Click to get started.