Can exercise improve bone health?

• Posted on: Aug 15 2021
• By: matt.karban

Did you know that our bones are living tissue that is constantly being broken down and replaced? But when the creation of new bone doesn’t keep up with the loss of old bone, that’s what’s called osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes bones to become weak and brittle. Age-related bone loss is gradual and eventual, but there are steps you can take to maintain healthy bones and treat and prevent osteoporosis–and exercise is a major key.

Read on to learn more about how exercise affects bone health.

• Exercise increases muscle strength, coordination and balance and it leads to better overall health, which is why it’s important to incorporate it into your daily routine. 
• Bone mass peaks during the 30s, at which time we can begin to lose bone. Exercise to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination will help prevent falls and fall-related fractures. If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, exercise is especially important. 
• Weight-bearing exercises are some of the best exercises for your bones. Weight-bearing exercises include walking, jogging, climbing stairs, dancing and playing tennis. 
• Resistance exercises such as lifting weights are key to strengthening bones. 
• Patients who have osteoporosis should ask their doctor for direction on the safest activities to maintain or improve their bone health. If you have low bone mass, for example, you should avoid exercises that bernd, flex or twist your spine and avoid high-impact activities to reduce the risk of breaking a bone. 
• People who have health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity or heart problems should consult with their doctor before embarking on exercises to improve their bone health. Your doctor can direct you to the safest, most beneficial exercises. 
• Depending on your bone health and overall health, you may need to start slow and enlist the help of an exercise specialist who can set up a program that prevents injury but gets your bones in their best strength possible. 

Exercise is just one key to improving bone health. It’s important to talk to your doctor about other ways that complement your exercise efforts and maximize your health. To learn more, call us at 707.544.3400 to make an appointment.

Posted in: Bone Health, News