Lifting weights is healthier for the heart than going for a run or a walk, new research has found.

Scientists looking at the health records of more than 4,000 people have concluded that, while both forms of exercise reduce the risk of developing heart disease, static activities such as weight lifting or press-ups have a greater effect than an equivalent amount of dynamic exercise such as running, walking or cycling.

The research challenges commonly held assumption that so-called “cardiovascular” pursuits like running are of greatest benefit to the heart.

However, it backs up previous studies which suggest that heavy static exercise gives the circulatory system a better workout because the oxygen expenditure is more intense.

The Chief Medical Officer for England recommends that adults take part in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, comprising a mixture of dynamic and static activity.

Professor Dr Maia Smith, who led the research at St George's University, Grenada, said: "Both strength training and aerobic activity appeared to be heart healthy, even in small amounts, at the population level.

"Clinicians should counsel patients to exercise regardless - both activity types were beneficial.

"However, static activity appeared more beneficial than dynamic, and patients who did both types of physical activity fared better than patients who simply increased the level of one type of activity."