Weight-Bearing Exercises for Osteoporosis

As head of WestSports Medicine in Norwalk, Connecticut, Dr. Stu Steinman treats a wide variety of injuries and illnesses related to physical activity. For patients with osteoporosis, Dr. Stu Steinman develops treatment plans that involve weight-bearing exercise.

Because weight-bearing exercise strengthens the bones and surrounding muscles, it offers distinct benefits in the treatment of osteoporosis. The body responds to increased weight demands by building up the bone, which directly counteracts the degeneration of osteoporosis. 

Patients with a low risk of bone breakage may engage in high-impact activities such as jogging, hiking, or dancing. Those at higher risk, or who have experienced osteoporosis-related bone breakage in the past, can gain similar benefits from elliptical or stair machines, brisk walking, and other low-impact activity.

Regardless of impact level, patients should work their way gradually into an exercise regimen. Experts recommend working up to approximately 30 minutes of weight-bearing activity on a close to daily basis.

Ultimately, however, only a physician can advise a patient on the specific exercises that may be helpful. By gathering information about a patient's overall fitness level, body mass, and stage of osteoporosis, a doctor can recommend appropriate weight-bearing activities on an individual basis.