Weight Bearing Exercise - The Importance Of Exercise: Osteoporosis
Content provided by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School
Weight-bearing exercise
Any exercise that involves working against gravity — such as running, playing soccer, walking, and climbing stairs — is weight-bearing and can improve bone strength. Each step or landing from a jump puts stress on your bones, and they respond to this force by getting stronger. The higher the impact, the greater the benefits. Therefore, activities such as tennis, volleyball, or running build bone faster than walking or low-impact aerobics. While swimming and bicycling are excellent ways to keep fit, they aren't weight-bearing, so they won't improve your bone mass or density.
Even people who already have osteoporosis can benefit from gentle weight-bearing exercise. If you have osteoporosis and want to begin an exercise program, talk to your doctor about the types of activity that are right for you. Certain activities, such as skating or skiing, may pose a hazard to fragile bones, since falling is common. Also wear protective clothing and, if possible, work out with a companion.
| Last updated: | January 23, 2007 |
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Medical content reviewed by the Faculty of the Harvard Medical School. Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.
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