Strength training is beneficial for overall health and longevity, according to Dr. Joseph Herrera, a sports medicine expert. When exercising, the heart rate increases, providing cardiovascular benefits. People with heart conditions should strength train two times a week to maintain muscle mass and improve heart health.

Benefits of Strength Training

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association recommend two days of muscle strengthening activity every week. Resistance training, also known as strength training, can reduce resting blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and body fat. Adults who strength train have a 17% lower risk of cardiovascular disease compared to those who do not.

A combination of resistance training and cardio provides the most heart benefits. Healthy adults should aim for eight to 10 different exercises that target major muscle groups, doing eight to 12 reps for each exercise and repeating those sets up to three times. People with heart conditions can use lighter weights and do more reps to minimize risk while still providing health benefits.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.