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Menopause

Exercise for Bone Health


Author:

Marjorie Bissinger, MS, PT

Private Practice, NJ

Medically Reviewed On: May 19, 2001

Weight-bearing exercises refer to activities where the weight of the body is transmitted through the bones, working against gravity. Your bones respond to this force by growing stronger. Walking, jogging, dancing, hiking, stair climbing, and aerobic exercises are all examples of weight-bearing exercises. Bike riding and swimming, although good exercises, are not weight-bearing. Weight-bearing exercises should be performed at least three to five times per week. The goal is to work up to 45 minutes or more per session. If you have osteoporosis, you should not perform high impact activities such as jogging or high-impact aerobics. These exercises cause too much jarring of the spine and can increase the risk of vertebral fractures.

Resistance exercises generate muscle tension on the bones. This strengthens the muscles and stimulates the bones to grow stronger. Exercising with weights or resistance bands are examples of this type of exercise. If you have osteoporosis, make sure to review your strength training program in advance with your physician or physical therapist. Resistance exercises should be performed two to three times a week.
 

Other Types of Exercises Important for Osteoporosis Prevention and Treatment

Postural exercises decrease harmful stress on the back. By performing these exercises, you can reduce your risk of spinal fractures and the rounded shoulders commonly seen with osteoporosis. These exercises should be performed throughout the day to reinforce good posture. Postural exercises help maintain proper body alignment and decrease harmful stress on the back. Stretching the muscles of the chest and strengthening the back muscles help promote good posture. One example is a shoulder stretch. In this exercise, you pull your shoulder blades together while visualizing your spine stretching up and lengthening.

Balance exercises help maintain equilibrium and can reduce the risk of falling. These exercises should be performed daily.
 

Dangerous Exercises to Avoid

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