Exercise and Bone Health
Weight-bearing exercises are important in maintaining bone health. Increased physical activity is helpful in building bone during the phases of mineral acquisition and bone consolidation.
Weightbearing exercise is any activity you do while on your feet and legs that works your muscles and bones against gravity. During weightbearing exercise, bone adapts to the impact of weight and the pull of muscle by building more bone cells. Consequently, bone becomes stronger and more dense. The risk of fracture, osteopenia, and osteoporosis decreases.
Weightbearing exercise includes:
- walking
- jogging
- hiking
- dancing
- step aerobics
- soccer
- baseball
- basketball
- tennis, racquetball
Load bearing exercise, such as weight lifting, will also help build strong bones. Introduce varying intensity, and vary the types of exercises to help keep you routine interesting.
Reference
http://arthritis.about.com/od/exercise/a/weightbearing.htm