Resistance Training Rejuvenates Aging Skin: New Study

A new study published in Scientific Reports is receiving considerable media attention. A team of Japanese researchers investigated the effect of aerobic exercise and resistance training on skin aging. 61 middle-aged women were divided into a 16-week exercise program of either strength training only or aerobic exercise only. 

 The results? The researchers discovered that strength training counteracts skin aging including deteriorations in skin elasticity, upper dermal structure, and dermal thickness. Aerobic exercise also improved skin elasticity and upper dermal structure but did not improve dermal thickness. 

This study adds to an ever-growing body of research that indicates that the benefits of strength training go far beyond muscle size and strength, bone health, and cardiovascular function.