Pumping Iron Pumps Up Heart Health

The idea that jogging is the best exercise for your heart may be a myth. Research now suggests that weight lifting produces significant cardiovascular benefits. And your knees won’t turn to dust in the process.

An analysis of data from the 1999-2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that lifting weights may reduce your chance of having metabolic syndrome, a cluster of problems that includes high blood pressure, high triglycerides, a big waistline, insufficient HDLs and high blood sugar. Metabolic syndrome has been linked to heart disease and diabetes.

“Exercise professionals should strongly encourage the activity of lifting weights among adults of all ages to promote metabolic health,” conclude the researchers.