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Women's Health

Exercise and Osteoporosis: How Exercise Prevents Bone Loss

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Medically Reviewed by UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

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We tend to think of bones as hard, immovable, inert objects. But the truth is, our bones are very much alive. They help produce our red blood cells. They grow and change in response to stress — and they can heal themselves.

Because our bones respond to stress, we can strengthen them by making them work. This is especially important for people at risk for osteoporosis, a condition that causes the body to lose minerals in the bones, weakening them over time.

Exercise, especially weight-bearing exercise, can stop bone loss, and prevent bone loss from happening in the first place.

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Risk Factors for Osteoporosis

If you have any of these osteoporosis risk factors, you should talk to your doctor about developing an exercise routine. Regular exercise can increase the density of bones, and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.

  • Being female
  • Smoking
  • Having a low body weight (less than 127 pounds)
  • Being of Caucasian or Asian ancestry
  • Having a family history of osteoporosis
  • Long-term treatment with glucocorticoids
  • Being of advanced age

Exercise, Bone Health, and Osteoporosis

The best exercises for preventing osteoporosis are ones that move your body against gravity. Think weightlifting, dancing, and high-impact aerobics.

You should only take on these activities if you do not already have osteoporosis and are healthy enough to participate. Low-impact activities are also a great way to stay active while minimizing the wear and tear on your bones. Try walking or using an elliptical machine. Elastic bands and hand weights can help build muscle strength while minimizing your risk of falls and fractures.

What Can I Do If I Already Have Osteoporosis?

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoporosis, talk to your doctor about how to include exercise in your lifestyle.

Your doctor may refer you to a physical therapist, who can help strengthen your upper back, develop your balance, and teach you ways to avoid injury. Because your bones are more susceptible to fracture, you will need to be careful while performing high-impact exercises.

To learn more about osteoporosis, make an appointment by calling 1-800-533-UPMC (8762). Visit the website for the Osteoporosis and Bone Health Program at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC.

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About UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

For more than a century, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital has provided high-quality medical care to women at all stages of life. UPMC Magee is long-renowned for its services to women and babies but also offers a wide range of care to men as well. Our patient-first approach ensures you and your loved ones get the care you need. Nearly 10,000 babies are born each year at Magee, and our NICU is one of the largest in the country. Our network of care – from imaging centers to hospital services – provides care throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland, giving you a chance to get the expert care you need close to home. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recognizes UPMC Magee as a National Center of Excellence in Women’s Health, and the Magee-Womens Research Institute is the largest research institute in the U.S. devoted exclusively to women’s health and reproductive biology.