Exercise and Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a degenerative disease that makes your bones thinner, thus making them more susceptible to painful fractures. Although there are several drugs available that can help people with this condition, studies have shown that you can help prevent osteoporosis naturally with exercise.

Researchers are learning more each day about the effects of exercise on people’s health. Besides keeping your heart strong, exercise may prevent stroke, high blood pressure, and diabetes, among other conditions. To get on the right track to exercise today, contact a Chicago personal trainer from B4 Health and Fitness at 773-251-4619.

What is Osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a condition that usually affects women, although it can harm men as well. Affected people’s bones gradually weaken; eventually they can sustain fractures even from simple things like coughing. These fractures weaken bones even further, potentially leaving victims in chronic pain. This condition can be caused by things such as:

• Low calcium intake
• Little exercise
• Smoking cigarettes
• Decrease in estrogen levels

While osteoporosis can be a painful condition, it is not cause for panic or hopelessness. It is treatable, although not yet curable. In addition, there are many steps you can take to reduce your chances of osteoporosis, or cope with the symptoms if you have been diagnosed with it.

How Does Exercise Help?

It may seem counterintuitive that exercise helps prevent osteoporosis. In fact, the rigors of weight training or load-bearing activities at least three times a week has been shown to strengthen your bones. This is because muscles pull on bones during the workout, which strengthens them.

Additionally, even those who already have osteoporosis can be helped with the proper exercise as advised by a doctor.

Contact Us

Of course, it is always a good idea to talk to a personal trainer in order to learn the proper motions for exercise so that you prevent injuries. For more information from a Chicago personal trainer, contact B4 Health and Fitness at 773-251-4619 today.