Your bones become stronger when you use them. However, as we get older, we start to lose bone strength. So it is important to keep exercising as you get older.

Exercises that keep bones strong need to combine two elements; weight-bearing exercises and muscle strengthening exercises. These should involve a variety of different movements for all parts of your body. 

Weight-bearing exercises

Weight bearing involves putting force down through your bones. This prompts bones to keep themselves strong. This is best achieved in standing. This could involve activities such as…

• Walking
• Climbing the stairs
• Dancing

Muscle Strengthening exercises

Muscles pulling on your bones prompts your bones to keep strong. To strengthen your muscles you need to push against resistance. This can involve a number of exercises such as…

• Using a weight
• Using a resistance band
• Using your body weight

It is important to progress your exercises as you get stronger to ensure you continue to challenge your bones and muscles.

That Royal Osteoporosis Society has a lot of useful information about exercising with Osteoporosis. It is important to get advice specific to you about exercising; you can speak with your specialist nurse or GP. If you would like some advice from a qualified Physiotherapist, get in touch and we can talk about your needs. At Severn Physiotherapy we offer home visits, so we can be flexible around your needs.