My gf and I had a disagreement on this. I have read in several fitness publications that walking is too low impact to have any benefits on the skeletal system, therefore it will not strengthen bones. She thinks it does. This is the only form of exercise she does, and while I applaud her on the fact that she's exercising and keeping her weight down, I don't think she's doing enough to prevent bone loss. I do know that it was widely believed at one time that walking prevented osteoporosis, but haven't recent studies disproved that?
Can walking prevent osteoporosis?
- Thread starter lesliew
- Start date
DebbieH
Cathlete
Not to disagree with you Leslie but my thoughts have always been: if it's weight bearing (and, walking is) then it's strengthening your bones. I'm not saying that it is THE best exercise and think that weights truly work in this department, but she (IMO) is getting some benefit. Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!
CathydsRNA
Cathlete
Brisk walking, near your aerobic heart rate zone can help with osteoporosis in your lower body and should be done at least 3-4 times/week for at least 15-20 minutes each time to be of benefit AND it must be brisk walking. It also does nothing to help bone density in your upper body. Weight training is great to help build up bone density all over and plyometric training is also good for lower body and hip bone density.
Yep!!
If your gonna ONLY walk as a prevention to Osteo, it has to be Power Walking AND some upper body strength training (not necessarily "hard core" Cathe either) This was my mums order from her Doctor
Once a " non exerciser ", she had her first hip replacement at 45yrs old due to Osteo. She got such a shock, because she thaught she was TOO young to suffer from Osteo.
22yrs later shes holding her own
Now every morning shes out the door power walking for at least 30min, and 3 times a week she attends a Community Centre weight training class.
Marion
If your gonna ONLY walk as a prevention to Osteo, it has to be Power Walking AND some upper body strength training (not necessarily "hard core" Cathe either) This was my mums order from her Doctor
Once a " non exerciser ", she had her first hip replacement at 45yrs old due to Osteo. She got such a shock, because she thaught she was TOO young to suffer from Osteo.
22yrs later shes holding her own
Now every morning shes out the door power walking for at least 30min, and 3 times a week she attends a Community Centre weight training class.
Marion
I'd agree that walking intensity might be a factor. Power walking, hiking hills, using a pack, etc are certainly bone flexing exercise. My dogs make sure it's an upper body workout by tugging on the leash, sometimes I drag them when I get tired of the sniffing, & sometimes they (80#'s each) drag me.
Yoga might also fall into this "maybe" category.
I'm glad several pointed out that even if done rigorously enough, walking doesn't keep the upper body or spine healthy. Aren't wrists & arms the most likely bone break from osteoporosis?
Pilates is often overlooked as a great bone health practice for the spine. Many of the exercises put a lot of weight on the spine, especially the rolling movements.
Debra
Yoga might also fall into this "maybe" category.
I'm glad several pointed out that even if done rigorously enough, walking doesn't keep the upper body or spine healthy. Aren't wrists & arms the most likely bone break from osteoporosis?
Pilates is often overlooked as a great bone health practice for the spine. Many of the exercises put a lot of weight on the spine, especially the rolling movements.
Debra