Biking or running can improve your health better than weightlifting, study finds

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In a new study from Karolinska University, researchers found endurance exercise such as biking or running is more beneficial to human health than resistance exercise such as weightlifting.

Mitochondria are often referred to as the powerhouse of cells. Increased mitochondrial activity, which occurs after exercise, can help improve overall metabolic health.

Good metabolic health translates to ideal levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure and waist circumference.

On the other hand, poor metabolic health means your risk for heart disease, diabetes and stroke increases. That’s why robust physical activity—in this case, endurance training—is encouraged.

In the study, the researchers determined endurance exercises stimulate circulating levels of certain mitochondrial-derived peptides, which could lead to increased longevity and metabolic health.

They did not find similar beneficial results from resistance exercise.

The researchers say the study stresses it’s people own responsibility to be active and keep moving. This is one small piece that adds to the importance of being a physically active individual.

If you care about exercise and wellness, please read studies about doing this exercise for 20 minutes is best for your brain and findings of this type of exercise may benefit your memory function most.

For more information about exercise and your health, please see recent studies about why weight training could be the best exercise for everyone and results showing that these 4 exercises may prevent brain shrinkage in older people.

The study is published in the Journal of Applied Physiology. One author of the study is Ferdinand von Walden, MD, Ph.D.

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