This simple workout could significantly cut your risk of premature death

Health & FitnessLifestyle
4 Jun 2026 • 3:14 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

This simple workout could significantly cut your risk of premature death

  • New research suggests that engaging in 90 minutes to two hours of weight training each week could significantly reduce the risk of premature death.
  • A comprehensive study, published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, tracked 147,374 individuals over a 30-year period and found a 13 per cent decrease in the chance of early death from any cause for those who consistently incorporated resistance training.
  • This rose to a 19 per cent reduction for conditions such as heart disease and stroke, while the findings revealed a 27 per cent lower risk of dying from neurological diseases among those who lifted weights or utilised resistance bands and bodyweight exercises.
  • Samuel Quinn, a personal training lead at Nuffield Health, advises beginners to start with a functional movement screen and follow a bespoke training programme tailored to their needs.
  • He also recommends keeping exercises simple, beginning with a lighter load, focusing on correct form, aiming for a couple of sessions a week, and prioritising recovery, adequate protein intake, and hydration.

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