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Strength training practiced with moderate to vigorous intensity two or three times a week is an effective way to mitigate arterial hypertension (high blood pressure), according to a study. The group analyzed over 21,000 scientific articles and conducted a Cochrane meta-analysis, considered the gold standard for systematic reviews. Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, and high blood pressure accounts for 13.8% of deaths from such diseases. Arterial hypertension is diagnosed when systolic blood pressure exceeds 140 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and/or diastolic pressure exceeds 90 mmHg. "We were interested above all in the volume and intensity found...

A new study suggests daily dumbbell workouts just three seconds in length can lead to impressive strength gains Depositphotos VIEW 1 IMAGES Finding time to go the gym or even complete workouts at home can be a tricky task for busy folk, but a new study suggests even lifting a dumbbell once or twice a day can be worth your while, particularly when it comes to combating the effects of aging. The research examined the effects of different forms of bicep curls and found one in particular can lead to significant strength improvements, even when undertaken for just three seconds...

If you’re over 50 years old, or heading that way soon, adding resistance training to your running routine can yield major benefits—and a recent research review suggests that’s true for both men and women. The findings, published in the journal Sports Medicine, included the results of 30 different training studies involving 1,400 participants, all age 50 or older. Comparing muscle mass and strength gains, researchers found men and women both had gains, but in different ways. “What’s really important here is the difference between absolute and relative changes,” lead study author Amanda Hagstrom, Ph.D.—a lecturer in the Department of Exercise...

LONDON (Reuters) - Many prehistoric Australian aboriginals could have outrun world 100 and 200 meters record holder Usain Bolt in modern conditions. Some Tutsi men in Rwanda exceeded the current world high jump record of 2.45 meters during initiation ceremonies in which they had to jump at least their own height to progress to manhood. Any Neanderthal woman could have beaten former bodybuilder and current California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger in an arm wrestle.