by Eva Perry

Created on: October 17, 2008   Last Updated: June 23, 2009

Exercise not only helps with weight loss, but improves bone strength, as well. The best exercise for bone strength should involve weight bearing exercises, since this is probably the best method to obtain the density and strength that bones need. Let's take a look, at the best exercises for building bone strength for a person.

To begin with, any weight lifting incorporated into your exercise regimen, will help in strengthening your bones. This exercise regimen could include free weights, along with exercise machines that have added weight to build resistance, for example, leg press, seated row, wall-squat, and lat pull-down.

Jump roping benefits both cardiovascular health, as well as, bone strength. Jump roping becomes a weight bearing exercise that should bring added bone strength to the legs, ankles, and hips.

Step aerobics is a great exercise for building bone strength. A platform, which can be up to 10 inches in height, is used by stepping on and off the platform, building momentum and resistance to build muscles and strengthen bones. Stair climbing is another form, to incorporate an exercise that will strengthen and increase bone density, and is usually accessible everywhere.

Running, jogging, or using the treadmill, are all good methods for increasing bone strength by exercise. Some studies have shown that there is an association of higher bone density in the legs of runners, than those people who don't routinely add running as a form of exercise.

Physical sports, such as volleyball, soccer, and tennis all help in building bone strength. The higher impact sports will probably benefit bone strength more than lower impact sports, since they can supply more resistance. Any exercise that involves using your own body's resistance against gravity can benefit a person by building stronger bones.

One of the more important benefits exercise can help in benefiting your bones is combating osteoporosis. Osteoporosis affects millions of Americans, with women four times more likely than a man to develop this disease. This disease is characterized by fragile, weak bones that can break much more easily than someone not afflicted with this disease. The good news is that osteoporosis can be treated and prevented in most people, with a proper diet rich in calcium or calcium supplements, followed by an increase in bone strengthening exercises. It's best to start bone strengthening exercises earlier in life, to maintain strong bones for the later years, when bone density loss is more prevalent.

If at all possible, at least 30 minutes a day or more is usually recommended for weight bearing exercises, to achieve the best possible results for increased bone strength and density.

When starting any new exercise program for building bone strength, consult your doctor first, if you have any medical conditions that may require restrictions from a normal exercise program.

Finally, exercise does benefit a person's bones by increasing the overall strength and density, which is important in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis, and other health related diseases.

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