Benefits of Exercise for Bone Mass Density

The principal of specificity dictates that bone mass density will only increase in bones that are directly loaded and stressed.

Walking, running and skipping are great ways to increase load and stress on the lower body. To increase the load and stress on the entire body however it is important to include a wide range of activities either collectively or in isolation.

Try adding resistance training including weights, bands and bodyweight exercises to ensure all areas of the body are stressed and directly loaded.

Exercising regularly is important to maintain bone strength as we get older, bone is living tissue and changes over time in response to the forces placed upon it. Exercising regularly means that our bones adapt by building more bone and becoming denser.

Good nutrition is essential for bone health as well as maintaining a healthy weight. It is widely understood that being overweight and obese has many implications for our health and wellbeing but very low body weight has increased consequences for our bone health and a low body weight at any age is associated with a greater risk for bone problems and fractures.