Could lifting weights actually help you live longer?

Doing 90 minutes to two hours of weight training per week can greatly reduce the risk of an early death, according to new research .

Data gathered from decades-long studies suggested that carrying out regular resistance or weight training over an extended period can significantly lower the chance of death from heart disease and stroke.

The benefits also included reducing the risk of death from neurological disease.

Experts said it was further evidence that strength-based training can help prevent or delay poor health and could ease pressure on overstretched health services.

Kate Hogarth is only 28, but is already thinking about staying healthy later in life. She enjoys weight training and the confidence boost she feels it gives her now, but she also recognises the long term health benefits from it.

"There's so many studies out there which show all of the benefits from strength training, for your cardiovascular health, your muscles, your bones, your mental health.

"I want to be able to be travelling the world when I'm in my 70s, 80s, 90s and I want to be able to pick up my grandkids and play with them, and having that level of independence is really important."

The benefits of aerobic exercise - such as jogging, cycling or swimming - are well known.