Ep. 144: Can Strength Training Help You Live Longer?
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Conventional wisdom (and plenty of research) says you’re supposed to engage in aerobic activity like running, swimming, or cycling if you really want to lengthen your life. Now, a new study suggests that adding strength-training exercises to your aerobic fitness routine will provide an added boost when it comes to living longer. Join our Move host, Dr. Andrew Miners of Medcan, as he chats with the study’s lead researcher, Dr. Jess Gorzelitz, an associate professor at the University of Iowa with expertise in kinesiology and epidemiology. The pair of experts discuss how older people can start strength training, their favourite exercises for beginning weight lifters, why lifting weights provides longevity benefits—and why strength training is most beneficial for women.
LINKS
Read Dr. Gorzelitz’s study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine: Independent and joint associations of weightlifting and aerobic activity with all-cause, cardiovascular disease and cancer mortality in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. Plus here’s a great animated explainer of the study.
To get a more personalized understanding of the benefits of weightlifting, book a personal training consultation with a Medcan trainer by emailing fitness@medcan.com.
Learn more about the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial, whose data was used by Dr. Gorzelitz in her new study.
Read the Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines for adults aged 65 years and older for more information on how your healthy habits can help prevent disease and improve your wellbeing.
Check out Dr. Jess Gorzelitz’s Physical Activity and Cancer Survivorship Lab at the University of Iowa.
Watch the BBC special on Dr. Gorzelitz’s study.
INSIGHTS
Who is Dr. Jess Gorzelitz, and how did she get into weightlifting not only in her career, but as a hobby? [3:23]
Dr. Gorzelitz’s new study used data from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer (PLCO) Screening Trial. When did that trial happen, and what was its focus? [4:50]
Why is weightlifting more important and more beneficial for older adults than for younger adults—and women in particular? [10:35]
When Dr. Gorzelitz analyzed the effects of aerobic exercise, weightlifting, or of both combined, which behaviours were most associated with a lower risk of death? [12:02]
Why is weightlifting more beneficial for women than for men? Dr. Gorzelitz uses her expertise to speculate. [17:54]
Weightlifting doesn’t necessarily come naturally to those who have never tried it. How do Dr. Miners and Dr. Gorzelitz communicate the importance of weightlifting to their patients? [20:16]
How else does weightlifting affect our body and make us healthier? [22:53]
How does Dr. Gorzelitz engage people in weightlifting if they don’t have access to fitness facilities or resources? [26:32]
What are the first three exercises that someone should try if they want to get into weight training? [29:23]
What’s next on Dr. Gorzelitz’s research agenda? [32:02]
*LEGAL
This podcast episode is intended to provide general information about health and wellness only and is not designed, or intended to constitute, or be used as a substitute for, medical advice, treatment or diagnosis. You should always talk to your Medcan health care provider for individual medical advice, diagnosis and treatment, including your specific health and wellness needs.
The podcast is based on the information available at the time of preparation and is only accurate and current as of that date. Source information and recommendations are subject to change based on scientific evidence as it evolves over time. Medcan is not responsible for future changes or updates to the information and recommendations, and assumes no obligation to update based on future developments.
Reference to, or mention of, specific treatments or therapies, does not constitute or imply a recommendation or endorsement. The links provided within the associated document are to assist the reader with the specific information highlighted. Any third-party links are not endorsed by Medcan.