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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.