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Exercise for Strong Bones

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: August 11, 2007

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Your bones are alive. When your bones are stimulated, they respond by increasing bone mass (which increases both strength and density). Exercise is a great way to stimulate your bones to be stronger.

Most people achieve their peak bone mass in their 30s. After that, the strength and density of bones begins to decline. Exercising slows the process of decline and helps prevent fractures and osteoporosis.

What Exercises Build Bones?

Any weight-bearing exercise will stimulate your bones. This type of exercise not only includes lifting weights, but also anything that involves impact (bearing your own body weight) like running, jogging, walking, dancing, etc.

Be Careful

If you have a health condition or are new to exercise, check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, your doctor may recommend that you avoid certain types of exercises that increase your risk for fractures and bone breaks. For example, people with these conditions should avoid exercises that flex, bend or twist the spine.

More on Exercise:
Make Exercise Fun
Hidden Benefits of Exercise
Want Better Sex? Exercise.
Sleep Better Through Exercise
Mental Fitness and Exercise
Your Immune System and Exercise
Learn to Love Exercise
Your Balance and Exercise
Get More Energy by Exercising
Increase Your Life Expectancy With Exercise
Your Social Life and Exercise
Improve Your Mood With Exercise

Source:

National Institute on Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. National Institutes of Health. Bone Exercise.

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