Strength Training Linked to Reduced Heart Disease Risk Among Active Women: Study

A groundbreaking new study published on June 17, 2026, in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) reveals that strength training significantly slashes the risk of major heart disease among active women. The research, which analyzed data from over 117,000 women, found those who incorporated at least two hours of resistance training per week had a 20% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and a remarkable 44% lower risk of heart attack compared to women who did no strength training. This benefit was particularly pronounced when combined with aerobic exercise, challenging long-held views on heart health. This finding shakes up conventional wisdom, which often prioritizes aerobic activity for cardiovascular health, with resistance training often seen as secondary. Dr. Tianyue Zhang, the study's lead author, highlighted that moving more, getting stronger, and sitting less were jointly associated with substantially lower cardiovascular risk, noting that even one short session of strength work per week could be a favorable step for heart health. The study further emphasized that the lowest risks were observed in women who met aerobic exercise guidelines, completed at least one hour per week of resistance training, and limited television viewing to under two hours daily, underscoring a holistic approach to prevention. With cardiovascular disease remaining a leading global cause of death, these results strongly suggest that public health strategies and individual fitness routines for women should more explicitly integrate strength training alongside cardio. While the observational nature of the study and reliance on self-reported data mean it cannot prove direct causation, the robust association from a large cohort like the Nurses' Health Study provides 'strong evidence' for current U.S. and European physical activity guidelines recommending at least two days of resistance training weekly. Healthcare professionals are now encouraged to counsel women on diversifying their exercise to include muscle-strengthening activities for comprehensive heart protection.