Pumping iron could be better for your heart than jogging, research suggests. Scientists behind a study on physical fitness said that while all physical activity is beneficial, static exercises­ like strength training could reduce the risk of heart disease more than aerobic­ pursuits like running. For the study, researchers analysed a range of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, being overweight, diabetes and high cholesterol in relation to the two types of exercise. 

‘Static activity appeared more beneficial’

 They used data from 4,086 American adults in the 2005-06 National Health and Nutrition Survey, making adjustments for age, ethnicity, gender and whether or not the person smoked. The adults were split into two age groups – younger adults aged 21 to 44 and older adults aged 45 and over.

In total, about a third (36 per cent) of younger adults and a quarter (25 per cent) of older adults had engaged in more static types of exercise. Meanwhile, 28 per cent of the younger adults and 21 per cent of older adults were recorded as having taken part in dynamic activities like walking and cycling. The researchers found that engaging in either type of activity was associated with 30 to 70 per cent lower rates of cardiovascular risk factors. But they discovered the benefits were strongest among those in younger people and those who chose static exercise.

Dr Maia Smith, statistical epidemiologist and assistant professor at St George’s University in Grenada, said: “Static activity appeared more beneficial than dynamic and patients who did both types of physical activity fared better than patients who simply­ increased the level of one type of activity.” ‘The important thing is engaging in physical activity’

The research, presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Latin America Conference­ in Peru, found both types of exercise were almost as popular among older people as they were with younger people. Dr Smith added: “I believe this gives clinicians the opportunity to counsel their older patients that they will fit into the gym or the road race just fine. “The important thing is to make sure they are engaging in physical activity.”

She said future research should consider the difference and exercise recommendations should include a static component.  

 
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