Physical activity and osteoporosis
Being physically active keeps you healthy and is vital in keeping your muscles and bones strong. Exercise helps maintain bone density and strengthens muscles in your legs, which helps you maintain your balance and prevents falls.
The most effective exercise to maintain bone density is ‘weight-bearing’ exercise, when your muscles move against gravity; for example, when you are on your feet.
Your bones become stronger when they bear weight during exercise and when some amount of 'impact' or extra strain is placed on those bones.
If the impact level is too low, bones will not become stronger and may still lose mass. Too much 'strain' could result in injury.
Good examples of weight bearing exercise are:
- Jogging
- Walking
- Tennis
Swimming and cycling are both great forms of exercise and good for muscle strength, however they are not considered weight-bearing.
