Try these bone-building exercises
Exercise can help keep your bones strong and reduce your risk of osteoporosis. Consider adding these three exercises to your routine:
Exercises best for strong bones
Weight bearing: High impact
Hiking
Jumping rope
Jogging or running
Weight bearing: Low impact
Using elliptical machines
Using stair-step machines
Fast walking, indoors or out
Muscle strengthening
Lifting weights
Using elastic exercise bands
Using weight machines
*Ask your doctor which kinds of exercise to try. And know this: If you have osteoporosis, high-impact exercises might not be right for you.
Always talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. That is especially true if you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis. Some exercises could raise your risk of breaking a bone. Learn more about exercise and aging in this quiz.
Reviewed 4/8/2025
Sources
- Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. "Osteoporosis Exercise for Strong Bones." https://www.bonehealthandosteoporosis.org/patients/treatment/exercisesafe-movement/osteoporosis-exercise-for-strong-bones/.
- National Institutes of Health; National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. "Exercise for Your Bone Health." https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/exercise-your-bone-health.
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