It’s not news that exercise is great for your health and recovery – but if cardio is all you’re doing, you might want to add some pushups, sit-ups, planks and squats to your workout routine. According to a new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, strength training can add years to your life.
Researchers from the University of Sydney surveyed more than 8,300 adults to find the association between strength training (using both bodyweight and gym equipment) and death rates (from cancer, heart disease, etc.). They discovered a 23 percent reduced risk of all deaths and a 31 percent decrease in the risk of cancer-related deaths.
“The study shows exercise that promotes muscular strength may be just as important for health as aerobic activities like jogging or cycling,” said Emmanuel Stamatakis, lead author and associate professor at the university’s School of Public Health and the Charles Perkins Center, in a press release.
Adults ages 18 to 64 should aim for 150 minutes of aerobic activity and two days of strength training every week, according to the World Health Organization.
More Benefits of Strength Training
As if this study isn’t enough to convince you, adding strength training to your recovery activities can also help you to:
- Improve sleep. Lifting weights has been study-proven to help you fall asleep faster and keep you asleep throughout the night.
- Lift your mood. Strength training gives you an edge over stress and anger. People who strength trained three times a week for six weeks had less anger and better overall mood, according to researchers. This is partly because the more muscle you have, the lower your levels of stress hormones.
- Increase your confidence. Meeting fitness goals and feeling fit and trim can improve your self-perception, giving you more confidence to meet the many challenges ahead in recovery.
Exercise to Support Your Sobriety
Imagine taking care of your physical, mental and spiritual health all before noon. That’s what you’ll experience at the ranch. We offer our male clients a variety of recovery activities that support lasting sobriety. To learn more about our men’s drug rehab or request recreation and activity information, call us today: 877-228-4679.
