If you have osteoporosis, check with your doctor as to the safety of any exercise.
Many people don't think of bones as living tissue, but they are. Like muscles, bones get stronger (denser) from doing strengthening exercises and weight bearing exercises.
Weight bearing exercises such as walking, stair climbing, etc. mainly strengthen bones in the legs, hips and lower spine. Strengthening exercises such as weight lifting or exercises that use the body as resistance (like push-ups) are effective in strengthening bones in the arms and upper spine.
For people who already have osteoporosis, weight bearing and strengthening exercises can help prevent further bone loss. These exercises also keep the back and abdominal and hip muscles that support the spine strong. Strong back and abs muscles reduce compression forces on the vertebrae and prevent back pain.
However, some exercises are risky for those with osteoporosis - the amount of risk depends on the severity of the bone loss. Those with osteoporosis should avoid exercises that twist the spine or excessively bend the spine to avoid a compression fracture of a vertebra. A doctor or physical therapist can recommend appropriate exercises.
Balancing exercises (which strengthen muscles that support the spine in addition to improving balance) also reduce the risk of falls; a major concern for those with osteoporosis is breaking a hip or other bone in a fall.
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