# Lifting Weights and HIIT May Raise Klotho, a Protein Tied to Slower Aging

*Physical exercise and circulating α-Klotho in humans: a systematic review and meta-analysis with emphasis on older adults.*

- **Evidence Level**: Moderate
- **Why this grade**: Pooled analysis of 14 randomized trials with 893 adults training for at least 12 weeks, though results varied widely between studies.
- **Facts**: Design: Systematic Review · Duration: 12 weeks
- **Publication Types**: Journal Article, Systematic Review
- **Journal**: Frontiers in sports and active living
- **Sample Size**: 893 adults aged 30 to 94, some with kidney disease, diabetes or muscle loss
- **Authors**: Abduldayeva AA, Iskakova SA, Doszhanova GN, Safonov NA, Tuliyeva AM
- **Graded and published**: 2026-09-03
- **Last edited**: 2026-09-21
- **Topics**: exercise, Klotho, biological aging
- **DOI**: https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1910769
- **Free full text**: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13582480/
- **Original Source**: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42756318/

## Summary

Regular exercise, especially strength training and hard interval sessions, raised blood levels of Klotho, a protein that drops as we age. That result comes from pooling 14 trials with nearly 900 adults who trained for at least twelve weeks. Low Klotho has been linked to frailty, memory decline and heart trouble, so this hints at one way exercise may help. The trials varied a lot, and nobody has shown that raising Klotho actually improves health outcomes.

## Practical Takeaway

This analysis suggests strength training may be one way to nudge up an anti-aging protein.

---

_Canonical: https://longevity-germany.com/en/research/lifting-weights-and-hiit-may-raise-klotho-a-protein-tied-to-slower-aging · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-09-21_