Living with Osteoporosis: Regular Exercise
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Check with your health care provider before starting any new exercise program.
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Use weights only as instructed.
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Stop any exercise that causes pain.
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You can protect against fracture and spinal changes by exercising and by doing other physical activities. Exercises that increase muscle strength and improve flexibility help prevent falls. A variety of exercises is best. Physical activity will slow further bone loss. It can also be fun.
Resistance exercises build muscle strength and maintain bone mass. They also make you less prone to injury.
Weight-bearing activities, such as dancing, walking, gardening, and even housework, help your whole body and help you maintain bone mass.
Non-weight-bearing exercises, such as swimming or water exercises, help prevent back strain and pain. They do this by building the trunk and leg muscles.
Publication Source:
Kemmler W, Lauber D, Weineck J, Hensen J, Kalender W, Engelke K, Archives of Internal Medicine, 164(10), Results of the Erlangen Fitness Osteoporosis Prevention Study (EFOPS), May 2004, pp 1084-91
Publication Source:
National Osteoporosis Foundation, Physician's Guide to Prevention and Treatment of Osteoporosis, Universal Recommendations for All Patients, 2003, pp 20-21
Publication Source:
Todd JA, Robinson RJ, Postgraduate Medical Journal, 79(932), Osteoporosis and exercise, Jun 2003, pp 32023
Online Medical Reviewer:
Bhattacharyya, Tim MD
Date Last Reviewed:
1/15/2007
Date Last Modified:
5/3/2004