When many of us think about exercise, we often picture a brisk walk, a spin class or a cardio workout. Some of us may give a potential nod to lifting weights, but only for the bodybuilders and ‘Gym Lads’, right? Wrong. While your evening jog and weekly pilates class are fantastic for heart health and overall fitness, you could be missing out on a crucial form of exercise that could help you live longer.

Research from the British Journal of Sports Medicine looked at data from three studies involving 147k men and women over 30 years. They found that those who consistently did between 90 minutes to 2 hours of weight training every week, lowered the risk of premature death from any cause by 13%.

If this wasn’t reason enough to build strength into your weekly routine, regular strength training can improve balance and stability, reducing the risk of falls and injury. It also supports joint health, boosts metabolism, and can even help with everyday tasks like carrying shopping or climbing stairs with ease. Something we could all enjoy a little extra help with! Not to mention the positive effects on mental well-being, helping to reduce stress and build confidence.

Luke Allwood, Fitness Manager at Pendle Leisure Trust advocates; “Strength training has so many benefits which are not always visible, one example is joint stability and strengthening the muscles around your joints protects from wear and tear and reduces arthritis discomfort. Incorporating strength and functional movements into your routine transfers to movements you are doing in daily life such as walking the stairs, picking up a remote control from the floor and carrying the shopping from the car to the house.”

Adding strength work into your routine doesn’t mean giving up the exercise you already enjoy. Instead, it’s about balance. Combining cardio sessions with holistic approaches and strength-based activities will allow your body and mind to perform in an optimum state.

Isla Fitzgerald is a Customer Focus Manager at Pendle Leisure Trust but also attends multiple XR2 and strength-based sessions in her free time. Isla tells us, “I’ve always been a gym-goer as they say, but more of a cardio bunny. After years of trying to combat injuries from running, I fell into strength training as an alternative and loved it. I’ve always enjoyed the so-called runner’s high, getting those endorphins pumping with a good run, but lifting weights has given me my motivation back. I feel strong, my body, even at 46, has never looked more lean, and the benefits are plentiful. Stronger joints, better bone density, higher calorie burn after as your muscle tone improves and more energy for daily life. Plus the great people you meet in the gym, I go for the social connection as well as to get fitter.”

At our Pendle Leisure facilities, we offer a welcoming approach to strength-focused sessions, designed for all abilities. Whether you’re completely new, looking to try something different, or a weights enthusiast looking for a new place to train, we’ve got a session to suit you. Explore a new side of fitness in a friendly and supportive environment. If you’re interested in trying some more strength-based training at PL+ facilities, browse our timetables for XR2, XR3, POWA, and Group Power classes specifically. Or why not book a PT session for some 1-1 support?