Why Weight-Bearing Exercise Is Good for Your Bones

polycarp · Post by **polycarp** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 8:45 am

By Jon Herring

There are a number of vitamins and minerals that are essential for strong and healthy bones. One of these, of course, is vitamin D, produced by your skin when it's exposed to sunlight. However none of these co-factors will result in optimal bone density unless you also engage in a regimen of weight-bearing exercise.

You might have heard that when astronauts return to earth, they often experience bone problems. Problem is, bones are living tissues, and the materials that make them up are constantly being broken down and then replaced. Without weight or stress on the astronauts' bones, there is no stimulation to replace the material being broken down.

This is why weight-bearing exercise - weightlifting, jumping, running, and even walking - is so important. Applying force along the axis of a bone stimulates its growth.

Agnes · Post by **Agnes** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:24 am

you are correct Poly and not only do bones retain health so does the mind. grab those weights and pump it, pump it up. get that blood flowing to remove antioxidants and buildup of tension. blood, sweat and tears of the muscles, tighten up drink lots of water. :-6

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 9:46 am

A cautionary note: Walking is without doubt the best. I would limit the

others because they can be so damaging (over time) to the joints.

valerie · Post by **valerie** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 10:10 am

TW2005 wrote: Walking is a great source of exercise but lifting weight and doing a variety of exercises are great too. The problem that comes with the joints are because those people lifting too much weight. If you do weight lifting and try to do as much as possible, then you will have problems. If you lift weights but only do light weight with more repititions, that is great for you. Light weight, high reps, gains elasticity in muscles and cartilage in the joints.Hey, I'll buy that!!:yh_worshp

I meant more the jumping and running anyway. I do "lift weight" it's

just my OWN weight, through push-ups and sit-ups.

:yh_peace

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 1:54 pm

Hiya Far Rider, Welcome to the Garden pleased to meet you x.

Bad news about your son, but good that he recovered and suffered no repercussion.

john8pies · Post by **john8pies** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 2:36 pm

I`ll bear your advice in mind, Polycarp - IF I ever return to earth!!!