How does exercise help the bones?
Exercise helps the bones in two ways.
- It helps to make muscles stronger, which improves co-ordination and balance. A child with good co-ordination and balance is less likely to fall or have fractures.
- It helps build bone mass, which makes bones stronger. If a person does fall, their bones are better able to take the impact and less likely to fracture.
What types of exercise are good for bone health?
Most types of weight-bearing exercise are good for the bones. Weight-bearing exercise is any exercise in which the feet and legs carry the body's weight.
Good examples of weight-bearing exercise include fast walking, jogging, running, skipping, hiking, climbing stairs and dancing.
Riding a bicycle and swimming are excellent forms of exercise for the heart, lungs and muscles, but they are not as helpful for the bones. This is because
the bones support less weight when in a seated position (on a bicycle) or no weight (in water).
