Strength Training or Aerobic Exercise to Reduce Cancer Risk?

Consistent physical activity is an established  method of reducing your risk for certain types of cancer (and of course, improving your health on multiple other levels). Up to this point, the vast majority of research has focused on the overall impact of exercise in general, but a new research review pinpoints the specific exercises that may hold the most benefit when it comes to cancer prevention.

The study evaluated previous research related to physical activity and cancer, reviewing data from more than a million study participants. Researchers determined that according to the body of evidence,  strength training is more valuable than aerobic exercise for reducing cancer risk; but that when the two types of activity were combined, the protective effect was maximized.

Published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity, the study found that workout involving “squats, rowing, planks and weight training” reduced the risk of dying from cancer by 14 percent; and that when such strength activities were combined with aerobic activities such as walking, jogging, swimming or cycling, the risk of cancer death dropped by double: 28 percent. The review also linked physical activity with reduced cancer risk for specific cancers: breast, stomach, endometrial, kidney, and bladder.

Can’t seem to get yourself off the couch and into the gym, garage or great outdoors to enjoy the profound health and wellness benefits of physical activity? You’re doing yourself a huge disservice, particularly when it comes to your risk of not only cancer, but also obesity, type 2 diabetes and more. Talk to your doctor today about designing a consistent exercise program suitable to your age, physical condition and health / fitness goals. What are you waiting for?