Exercising for Life

Medication and diet are only part of your treatment plan. Your bones also need exercise. Activity places force on the bones. The bones respond by growing stronger. When used in a complete treatment plan, activity is even more effective.

Being Active

An active lifestyle can enrich your health in many ways. It can help you build stronger bones. It can help you maintain a healthy weight. And best of all, it can increase your sense of well-being. You don't have to work out in a gym to be active. You can take walks with friends. Or spend an afternoon gardening. You can even wander through a museum. Be creative. Enjoy making activity part of your life.

Choosing Your Activity

Some kinds of exercise help build strong bones. Other kinds are best for maintaining a healthy weight. Work with your healthcare provider to choose the right activities for you.

Weight-bearing

Walking, jogging, tennis, and gardening are weight-bearing activities. These activities place force on the bones. The force comes from your own body weight. The bones respond by growing stronger.

Resistance

Archery is one kind of resistance activity. Other kinds include using rubber stretch bands, free weights, and weight machines. These activities apply force to the bones by way of the muscles. This strengthens the bones.

Non-weight-bearing

Activities like swimming and bicycling are non-weight-bearing. They don't benefit bone density, but they can help you maintain a healthy weight. They can also help keep the heart, lungs, and muscles strong.

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