Live Well: Exercise for Bone Health

Exercise is essential for health at any age, but there are particular areas of concern when exercising for bone density. 

“High-impact weight-bearing exercises help build bones and keep them strong” according to the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation. Your body responds to the stress impact puts on your bones by making them stronger. 

Any exercise where you’re hitting the ground can make a difference, whether it’s running, tennis, jumping rope, climbing stairs, or basketball.

But, If you are at risk of breaking a bone, or perhaps already have broken a bone due to osteoporosis, you should check with your healthcare provider before incorporating high-impact exercises into your routine. You may need to avoid them altogether.

There are other types of weight-bearing exercises you can do which also build your bones and keep them strong. Low impact weight-bearing exercises include walking, calisthenics, and using an elliptical machine.

Even if you are advised against impact exercises for bone density, exercises like yoga and pilates, that strengthen your muscles and improve balance, can help you avoid falls. Talk to your healthcare practitioner about which exercises will be safest and most effective for you.

Once you know what exercises will be appropriate for your needs, visit your MFAP TELUS Health for articles like Walking for Fitness or for midwives, log in to Dialogue to watch workout videos like beginner level Pilates to help you get started.