Long gone are the days when going to the gym was synonymous with 60 excruciating minutes on the treadmill, burning out both your muscles and your desire to ever exercise again

With fitness becoming the latest trend, and social media sites being bombarded with different ways to workout, people are understanding that exercise doesn’t have to drain your will to live. Weights have become the new magic weight-loss pill. With six packs plastered all over the internet, men everywhere are picking up weights and testing their limits. But exercise doesn’t have to be solely for vanity (thought that’s definitely a pro!) as new research from the University of Michigan has revealed that increased muscle strength can equate to a longer life. The study focussed on over 8,000 people, and found those with higher muscle strength are twice as likely to live longer than those with lower levels. Dr. Kate Duchowny, the study's author, says:

“Maintaining muscle strength throughout life — and especially in later life — is extremely important for longevity and aging independently.”

So if you want to live until you’re 3-digits of age, put down the sweet-treats and pick up a dumbbell. Additionally, grip strength is a good indicator of health and longevity. It can be measured using a dynamometer, which you squeeze to measure your strength in kilograms. As a baseline figure, this study focussed on 39kg for men and 22kg for women. Those who were stronger than the baseline levels were more likely to live longer. The team behind the study recommend that the strength test could help recognise obesity and health risks before it’s too late to reverse. For some, the idea of stepping foot in the gym can appear daunting – but what’s more daunting is knowing you’re 50% more likely to die younger if you don’t. But don’t worry, it’s never too late to start. For maximum muscle growth focus on compound exercises which work multiple muscle groups at the same time. These include:

• Squats
• Deadlifts
• Lunges
• Bench-press
• Shoulder-press
• Pull-ups

Just 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, can reduce the risk of premature death by 50%. So step foot in the gym, pick up those weights, and see your life extend before your eyes.