Benefits of Exercise for Osteoporosis

Exercise is good for you, but if you or someone you know has Osteoporosis or Osteopenia (early bone loss), exercise is an imperative. Bones lose density because as we age the body takes calcium from the bones to use in the muscles and blood. While it is unclear why this occurs, it is known that we can encourage the body to redeposit calcium in the bones with exercise. Weight-bearing exercise challenges the bones and that stress stimulates the body to make the bones stronger by depositing calcium. So, walking, lifting weights, dancing, yoga, rowing, stretch bands, jogging and cross training will all help challenge the bones to deposit calcium. The increased muscle mass and bone mass will help reduce the risk of broken bones, slow bone loss and reduce the need for medical intervention. Please consult with your physician before starting any exercise program. For more information visit: http://ag.arizona.edu/maricopa/fcs/bb/exercise.html