The association of resistance training with mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Researchers combined results from 10 long-term observational studies, meaning they watched people rather than assigning them an exercise plan. The studies included about 370,000 adults. Compared with people who reported no resistance exercise, those who did strength training had 21% fewer deaths overall, 23% fewer deaths from heart and blood vessel disease, and 14% fewer cancer deaths. The studies mostly relied on people reporting their own exercise, and healthier people may have been more likely to exercise.

What this means for you: Strength training is a sensible health choice, but this study cannot prove that it was the reason people lived longer. You do not need to buy special equipment based on this result, since regular strength exercises may provide similar benefits.