Adults are encouraged to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise per week, as a study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that strength training significantly reduces the risk of premature death.

It is also recommended that they do "strengthening exercises" that work the legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms at least two days a week.

Researchers led by academics at the US National Cancer Institute in Rockville, Maryland, analyzed data from nearly 100,000 adults who participated in a US screening study.

Participants with an average age of 71 gave information about weight lifting activities and other exercises they did.

About 23 percent reported weight-lifting activity, and 16 percent said they lift weights at least one to six times a week.

About 32 percent were "active enough", 24 percent met aerobic activity guidelines, and 8 percent exceeded them, the researchers said.

During the approximately 10-year follow-up period, 28,477 deaths occurred.

47 Percent Lower Risk of Death

The study found that adults who reported weightlifting had a 9 percent lower "risk of all-cause death."

Those who did “regular” weightlifting were found to have a 14 percent lower risk of death.

Those who met their aerobic activity levels had a 32 percent lower risk of premature death.

Adults who reported following aerobic activity guidelines and lifting weights at least once or twice a week had a 41 percent to 47 percent lower risk of premature death.