Throughout the last two articles in the “Exercising your Bones” series, we explored how exercise can cultivate bone strength. We also demonstrated the importance of alignment and body positioning in supporting your skeleton, especially prior to adding additional loads like lifting weights. That said, bone strength is just one component of the bone protection formula. Balance training is another.
Safe Strength Training Benefits Bones
Many patients have the misconception that if they strengthen, they will become buff like a bodybuilder or will fracture something. Strength training will not only make your muscles strong, but also your BONES! Additionally, many patients put cardio training over strength training and discount the benefits that lifting weights or doing resistance can provide.
Strength Training to Combat Osteoporosis
For 40 years, cardio was my main activity, from marathons to later long distance cycling, including 100 mile “century” rides. I learned, however, that this type of non-weight bearing exercise, while good for my cardiovascular health (my heart is fine), did not help my bone health. Four years after discovering my osteoporosis – now at age 60 – I no longer have it.