Osteoporosis is now terrorizing the lives of 10 million Americans – and probably 34 million more in the near future. There are many options available to manage the disease including and osteoporosis drug which can reduce bone loss associated with breast cancer medication. However, the entire treatment requires not just pharmaceutical interventions but also proper diet, healthy lifestyle and regular weight-bearing exercises.

Weight-bearing exercise refers to an activity you do while on your feet and legs with involves the work of your muscles and bones against gravity. The pull of the muscle plus your weight imposes tension to your bones in these types of activities. This results to your body increasing the density of your bones which also improves their strength.

 


Here are some weight-bearing exercises you can try:

Tai Chi and Yoga

 Tai chi builds your coordination and strengthens your bones with a form of slow and graceful moves. Similarly, certain yoga poses work your back muscles to preserve the health of your spine sharpens your balance, coordination, concentration and body awareness – therefore preventing falls. It has been proven on researches that these exercises can significantly increase your bone mineral density.

Brisk Walking & Hiking

 Walking and hiking are probably the most popular fitness trends especially in women. Although brisk walking maximize the health benefits, you can slow down to the pace that your body can handle. Hiking is analogous to walking only with more force during uphill climb or downhill descent.

Golf and Racquet Sports

 In the field of sports, golf and racquet sports, like tennis and badminton, reign supreme in augmenting your bone mineral density. All the walking and swinging of the club involved when playing golf will surely improve your bone strength. Hitting the ball develops your shoulder while running around develops your hips and your spine during a game of racquet sports

Before engaging to any of these weight-bearing exercises, ask your doctor if you are allowed to do such activities especially if bone thinning has already started in your case. Furthermore, such workouts are not intended to substitute your medical treatment especially if it includes bisphosphonates like Fosamax. We’ve seen the news about people filing a Fosamax lawsuit after allegedly being harmed by the drug, but this does not explain why we should stop taking the drug especially without your physician’s advice.

References:
http://arthritis.about.com/od/exercise/a/weightbearing.htm 
http://www.webmd.com/osteoporosis/living-with-osteoporosis-7/exercise-weight-bearing