Progressive Strength Training Best Exercise for Osteoporosis Prevention for the Over 50 Crowd

Clarisa, Susie, Paula, and Jody after the run-bike-run dualthlon

A progressive strength training program can give your bones the stimulation they need to slow down age-related bone loss.  It’s a fact that bone density declines as we age. We can slow this decline with the right kind of exercise: strength training 2-3 times per week.

Progressive strength training means that you start at an easy level and gradually  progress to heavier weights. Ultimately, you will reach what I call a “ceiling” when you can’t complete a set with a heavier weight. That will be your maintenance level and can still be effective in stimulating bones to be strong. When you are in this range, it’s a good idea to vary your routine to keep the bones “surprised” by new moves. Variation in your exercise routine stimulates your body to build and keep strong muscles and bones.

Building strong muscles gives even mild-mannered folks, like the ones above, the confidence to try new activities like the Sheels Dualthlon at Jordan Creek in West Des Moines last May. This picture was taken after we’d had a shower and a delicious lunch.

Date: 2010.09.18 | Category: Fitness & Health, Osteoporosis, Strength Training for Osteoporosis Prevention | Tags: