AOSSM SPORTS TIPS EXERCISING FOR BONE HEALTH WHY IS EXERCISE IMPORTANT FOR

Exercise is the stimulus that makes bones stronger. Your muscles grow and strengthen in response to exercise; bone behaves similarly. Stressing bone through activity and exercise encour-ages it to increase its calcium content and grow more dense. Bone health follows the adage, “Use it or lose it.” Inactivity leads to decreased bone mass. Exercise can help you maintain bone mass and reduce age-related bone loss. Exercise decreases the risk of osteo-porosis. It also improves muscle strength, balance and coordination, which help to prevent falls and bone fractures. WHO SHOULD EXERCISE? It is important for people of all ages to exercise. During childhood and ado-lescence, the bone is rapidly building density and strength. Exercise helps to maximize one’s peak bone mass and may therefore prevent poor bone health in later years. Exercise has its greatest effects in adults who have been inactive. Since bone naturally becomes weaker with age, it is vital that men and women of all ages exercise