How does resistance training prevent osteoporosis?
Medically reviewed by drugclasses.com. Last updated on Sep 20, 2023.
Resistance (strength) training prevents osteoporosis because it helps build strong bones which minimises the risk of fracture.
This type of training uses free weights, stretchy bands, or your own body weight to build muscle and strengthen bones.
This type of exercise helps “load” your bones, putting stress on them. Research has shown that this is what is needed to stimulate bone-forming cells (called osteoblasts) into action. Osteoblasts help lay down more bone tissue, which improves your bone density, making your bones stronger.
Resistance training exercise also tends to target the areas of your skeleton that are most likely to fracture, such as your hips, spine, and wrists. It also improves the muscles attached to the bones, as well as your overall coordination and balance.
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