How does exercise influence bone health, and what kind is best?
Physical activity is the main non-pharmacological way to build up bone after normal bone growth is completed. Exercise helps improve posture and mobility, can reduce chronic pain, increase physical confidence, and improve coordination and balance. The best activities are those that are weight-bearing exercises, or exercises that put stress on the bones (e.g. walking, tennis, running, stair-climbing, and low-impact aerobics). These exercises help build and maintain stronger bones while increasing muscle mass. Weight training may also be helpful, as the pull of the muscle on the bone against the force of gravity that occurs when weight lifting can create changes in the bone tissue which stimulate bone formation. Improving muscle tone may also help reduce falls, decreasing the potential for fractures.
