There are two types of osteoporosis exercises that are important for building and maintaining bone density: weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises.
These exercises include activities that make you move against gravity while staying upright. Weight-bearing exercises can be high-impact or low-impact.
High-impact weight-bearing exercises help build bones and keep them strong. If you have broken a bone due to osteoporosis or are at risk of breaking a bone, you may need to avoid high-impact exercises. If you’re not sure, you should check with your healthcare provider.
Examples of high-impact weight-bearing exercises are:
- Doing high-impact aerobics
- Jumping Rope
- Stair climbing
Low-impact weight-bearing exercises can also help keep bones strong and are a safe alternative if you cannot do high-impact exercises. Examples of low-impact weight-bearing exercises are:
- Using elliptical training machines
- Doing low-impact aerobics
- Using stair-step machines
- Fast walking on a treadmill or outside
These exercises include activities where you move your body, a weight or some other resistance against gravity. They are also known as resistance exercises and include:
- Lifting weights
- Using elastic exercise bands
- Using weight machines
- Lifting your own body weight
- Functional movements, such as standing and rising up on your toes
Preventing Injury and Moving Safely
For people with osteoporosis or an increased risk for fracture, preventing falls is a top concern. But, it is also important to avoid unintentional injuries, especially those of the spine, which may occur with everyday activities. The following video series shows how simple changes can be made to help keep you healthy and active.
Do you want to do yoga or pilates and you have osteoporosis? Download the fliers below for information on which exercises are recommended and which exercises you should avoid.
NOF gratefully acknowledges Pilates Anytime and of Sherri Betz, PT, GCS for the production of the videos and flyers.
Resources–Show More +
Safe Movement & Exercise Videos
Safe Movement Techniques to Prevent Spine Fractures Webinar
Starting a New Exercise Program
How Much Exercise Do You Need?
Osteoporosis and Your Spine
Protecting Your Spine
Keeping Your Balance
Testing Your Balance
Conditions and Medicines That Can Cause Falls
Categories of Medicines That May Increase the Risk of Falls
Recovering from Falls
Proper Body Alignment
Practicing Safe Yoga
Practicing Safe Pilates
Healthy Bones, Build Them for Life® Webinar Series
Too Fit To Fracture Video Series
Too Fit to Fracture Exercise Book
Activity Plan Weekly Workout Sheet
Activity Plan Weekly Exercise Sheet
Three Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Exercise