Recent studies have shown that the risk of osteoporosis is lower for people who are active, and especially those who do load-bearing, or weight-bearing activities at least three times a week.

How can exercise prevent osteoporosis? Muscle pulling on bone builds bone, and weight-bearing exercise builds denser, stronger bones. The more bone mass you build before age 25, the better off you will be during the years of gradual bone loss. Exercise can also help you maintain bone density later in life.

If you already have osteoporosis, you might wonder whether you should exercise at all. The answer for most people is YES. You should speak to your doctor to learn what types of exercises you can safely do to preserve bone and to strengthen your back and hips. Keep in mind, however, the exercise alone can't prevent or cure osteoporosis.

Even if you do not have osteoporosis, you should check with your health care provider before you start an exercise program. Remember to warm up before starting and cool down at the end of each exercise session. For the best benefit to your bone health, combine several different weight-bearing exercises. As you build strength, increase resistance, or weights, rather than repetitions. And remember to drink plenty of water whenever exercising, especially here in Arizona and especially in the summer

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