When one is diagnosed with osteoporosis or they show the early signs of osteoporosis, a doctor might prescribe certain exercises and lifestyle treatments for the condition. In most cases, it is found that many people who have suffered a fracture avoid exercising due to the fear of additional fractures. Although the likelihood of fractures is higher for those who have suffered them earlier, staying active is important, so the patients of osteoporosis must follow an active fitness routine.

There are two types of exercises for building and maintaining bone density: weight-bearing exercises and muscle-strengthening exercises. In terms of lifestyle treatments for osteoporosis, doctors advise raising one’s bone density levels and prevent falls in addition to following a regular exercising regime. Bones are living tissues that respond to exercise and become stronger, and exercising also helps maintain muscle strength, coordination, and balance. Exercising should be an enjoyable activity so that the overall bone health is improved for a person with osteoporosis.

At the same time, osteoporosis patients are strictly advised to stay away from high-impact weight-bearing exercises or movements. So, dancing, aerobics, hiking, running, stair climbing, jumping rope, and tennis should be avoided. Here are simple exercises that can act as lifestyle treatments for osteoporosis and help manage the signs of the condition:

Low-impact weight-bearing exercises
These are safe exercises that keep the bones strong and the perfect alternatives in case one cannot do high-impact exercises:

• Training on elliptical machines
• Doing low-impact aerobics
• Using stair-step machines
• Fast walking on a treadmill

Muscle strengthening exercises

• Lifting weights
• Exercising using resistance bands
• Bodyweight exercises for resistance
• Simple and light weight training
• Standing and other functional movements like raising the toes

Exercises like yoga and Pilates
An excellent form of fitness, these exercises improve flexibility, muscle strength, and balance. However, care must be taken since all positions may not be suited for people with osteoporosis. Therapists or fitness should be consulted for help in suggesting safe and appropriate exercises.

Stability and balance exercises
For patients of osteoporosis, fall prevention is important. Stability and balance exercises help the muscles work in tandem so that the movements are stable and balance is improved. This reduces the likelihood of falls as well. Simple exercises that can improve stability and balance include the following:

• Standing on one leg
• Movement-based exercises
• Tai Chi

Flexibility exercises
Moving the joints to their full range of motion helps the muscles work well. Stretches are examples of flexibility exercises that can be performed, but only after warming up the muscles. These exercises must be done slowly and gently, without too much bending, twisting, and bouncing so that muscle pulls and strains can be prevented.

Lifestyle treatment and exercise tips for people with osteoporosis vary depending upon their age, health condition, and several other factors. For example, people over 40 years with serious heart troubles, high blood pressure, diabetes, or obesity must begin a regular exercise regime after consulting a doctor.