Osteoporosis: 3 Exercises To Avoid If You Have Osteoporosis

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A condition that causes the easy breaking of bones, osteoporosis is the most common reason for a broken bone among the elderly. The condition causes the bones to become brittle, thereby increasing its chances of breaking.

While exercise is important, for people with osteoporosis, certain exercises can worsen their bone health [1].

Learn which exercises you should avoid if you have osteoporosis as they could be dangerous and cause bone thinning. Bone growth is stimulated by applying a load on the bone as a result of body weight or the pull of a muscle during resistance exercise.

Understanding Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is one of the most common health conditions affecting the elderly in India. This medical condition causes your bones to become weak and brittle, resulting in fractures if any stress is caused.

Besides taking a proper diet to maintain a healthy bone structure, one also has to resort to specific exercises to increase strength, stimulate bone growth, increase bone density, and prevent future bone thinning. However, there are specific considerations before you begin a workout regime if you have osteoporosis.

According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, people with osteoporosis have a high risk of developing broken bones and major fractures, especially in postmenopausal women and older men when exercising.

What Are The Exercises You Should Avoid For Osteoporosis?

Aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity cardio and muscle-strengthening activity each week can be helpful for most people.

There are three main exercises you should avoid when you have osteoporosis as they could be dangerous and cause bone thinning: running, jumping, and sit-ups.

Best Exercises for Osteoporosis

Exercises best known for osteoporosis stimulate bone growth. Bone growth is stimulated by applying a load on the bone as a result of body weight or the pull of a muscle during resistance exercise, such as exercises using light weights or resistance bands, as per Dr Johnson.

These exercises include walking, climbing, bodyweight exercises like push-ups, squats, lunges and planks, elliptical training, dancing pilates yoga and resistance band moves.

However, according to Mayo Clinic swimming and cycling might have plenty of perks they don't have enough body-bearing load to build bone density.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.