The Effects of Exercise on the Human Bones
We know that exercise is beneficial to us in many ways, from helping us lose weight and strengthening our muscles to keeping our hearts healthy and our lungs strong. But does exercise have any effect on our bones? Yes. Exercise is an essential element in maintaining strong and healthy bones.
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Strength
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Within each of us are cells called osteoblasts, which are responsible for bone formation. Osteoblasts infuse bones with calcium, which strengthens them. When we exercise, our osteoblasts release calcium at a higher rate to the bones that we are using in that exercise, further strengthening those bones. Bone strength is important because it helps to prevent osteoporosis, or the weakening of bones, as we age.
Joint Health
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When we are inactive for long periods of time, our joints stiffen and the tissue that connects them grows weaker. In many cases, this can lead to arthritis and joint pain. Exercise, however, keeps our joints flexible and the tissue that connects them strong, thus helping to prevent arthritis and other painful joint ailments.
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Bone Density
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When we exercise, we put pressure on our muscles and bones. In response to this pressure, our bones increase in density, especially during our teen and young adult years. Bone density is important because can help prevent fractures and breaks.
Size
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Not only does exercise help our bones become stronger and denser, it helps them grow as well. When we exert pressure on our skeletal muscles, or the muscles that are attached to bones, the skeletal muscles produce more collagen fibers and deposit mineral salts into our bones, both of which help our bones grow. For this reason, exercise is especially important for children and teens.
Flexibility
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As bones are strengthened and the health and ability of joints increased, flexibility will improve. Exercise routines involving yoga, tai chi and pilates are especially helpful in increasing flexibility, and the flexibility that comes with bone health is essential in helping prevent injury from overextension and overexertion of our bones and muscles.
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