Experts Say These Small And Easy Fitness Items Can Help Improve Your Bone Density

Three experts on bone health explain why your bone density is important, and the types of exercise that can help.

You’re probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise, when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there’s no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there’s another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts.

“Bone density refers to how strong and solid your bones are,” Dr. Raphael Longobardi, New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon told HuffPost. He serves with the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and specializes in sports medicine, frequently identifying ways to strengthen the body. “The amount of mineral content in our bones helps them maintain their strength and resistance to fractures. Maintaining bone density is an incredibly important preventative for reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis or fractures. This is especially true as we age.”

There are also risk factors for certain groups, according to Kai-Yu Ho, a physical therapist and professor of physical therapy at University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Ho said bone density is important to look after “especially in postmenopausal women, as estrogen loss speeds up bone weakening.”

So, if you’re concerned about your bone density, how can exercise help?

“Exercise is a critical component to bone health,” said Dr. Deborah Sellmeyer, a clinical professor of medicine in endocrinology, gerontology and metabolism at Stanford University. “Impact exercises and weight training have been shown to increase bone density. Exercise regimens that incorporate balance training have been shown to reduce falls. Improved bone density and reduced falls help reduce fracture risk.” According to Ho and Longobardi, resistance and weight training increase bone density because they put stress on your bones and muscles, which promotes stronger bone growth.