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Exercises That Are Good For Bones, And Bad for Bones

November 15, 2009 7:29 pm 5 comments

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The most interesting thing in Gretchen Reynold's piece in the New York Times Well column about exercises that are good for bones is the revelation that even the experts aren't really sure. In fact, Reynolds writes, scientists actually seem to be becoming less sure. Reynolds tells us that there is some agreement that brisk walking will increase bone density, at least in older women, but the walking "must be truly brisk." The confounding findings, says Reynolds, suggest that too much exercise may actually reduce bone density, as witnessed in a study of competitive cyclists who lost
bone density over the course of a long training season. What's bone-building wannabe to do? Reynolds writes that current state-of-the-science message suggest that the best
exercise is to "simply jump up and down, for as long as the downstairs
neighbor will tolerate."

Read more in the Times' Well column.

5 Comments

  • Wm. Ibrahim Muslim
    November 15, 2009
    9:23 pm

    It would seem that exercise, like religion, is a matter of personal expression and individual beliefs wherein one must do that which one feels is best for him or herself regardless of what others say or believe.
    As some seem to exercise religiously, this might hold some validity…but then again.
    If it feels good and seems to bear the desired results do it.
    If it hurts (too much) and doesn’t seem to helping, then don’t do it and let all the mad scientist types say and/or publish whatever gets them the next grant.

    Reply
  • janice sakofsky
    November 16, 2009
    1:05 am

    interesting

    Reply
  • Russell Bs of Ed, PE Major
    November 16, 2009
    9:40 am

    LIke anything involving over doing it ,it will lead to bad results DUH! Over eat or over exercise, all things must be met with common sense and intelligent thought. Over training is Ok for short term goal, but to over do it over long, intense periods results in predicable breakdown of all mechanize equipment, wether car or body. Recuperation is as important as use. Be careful, smart and attentive to the needs of your body. Pain is natures way of telling you to back off, listen to your body, do not ignore the signs and signals. Be practical for your age and physical stature, allow extra time warming up and stretching in cool downs. Get good professional advise, read about your activity before you begin, not after your injured.
    weigh the benefits verses the results, allow more time to heal than you need. Doctors are for diagnosis, trainers and therapist are for healing.

    Reply
  • patricia
    November 16, 2009
    5:34 pm

    of course cycling may increase bone loss; there is no impact on bones.

    Reply
  • Ed-words
    November 21, 2009
    11:59 am

    “Jumping up and down ” is good.
    Isn’t that what rope-jumpers do?
    Try it. It’s great. (But ask your doctor first.)
    to Wm. Ibrahim – - That’s right. Each of us should
    choose the religious fantasy that is best for us.

    Reply

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