Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Exercise Can Prevent Bone Disease

Osteoporosis, or bone disease, is a condition where bones become brittle and break easily. It is most common in women but can also affect men. There is an estimated 10 million Americans that are affected by this disease. A strong family history of osteoporosis is a big risk factor.

Peak bone mass is achieved in your 20's. From childhood up to about 30 years old weight-bearing exercises such as jumping and running can help build sronger bones. After 30 you should avoid smoking and excessive drinking. You should also get good nutrition including calcium and vitamin D. Studies show that weight-bearing exercises help prevent bone loss, maintaining your current bone strength.

Exercise must be weight-bearing to stimulate the bones to become strong and dense. Perform weight-bearing aerobic activities like running, jumping, racquet sports, dancing, basketball, hiking and high-impact fitness classes. My "Journey to 300" routines utilize body weight or dumbbells along with aerobic activity that lasts between 10 to 20 minutes per session. Low or no-impact activities such as cycling and swimming are good for overall fitness but don't help bone mass.

Older people should also perform flexibility and balance routines to avoid bone-breaking falls. Statistics show that one in two women over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture, most commonly of the hip, spine or wrist.

Unfortunately there are no guarantees that this will prevent osteoporosis. It can help it from getting worse so don't delay another day. Start exercising and you will have a long and productive life.

Keep an eye out for my monthly newsletter coming soon. It will have nutrition information, great tasting receipes, my "Journey to 300" exercise routine (a new routine every month), sport specific exercises and much more. I guarantee you will lose body fat and start to feel better within the first month. I am going to launch it with a special offer of $9.95 per month. You would be locked into this rate for as long as you continually subscribe. The price will go up for new subscribers after the initial offer but you will receive even more information for the same low price of $9.95. I will also be throwing in a special report for free. Details to come soon.

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