From: The Courier-Journal, March 2004

By definition, for an exercise to be weight-bearing, the skeleton must support weight, as it does when walking, jogging or lifting weights. Weight-bearing exercises are often prescribed to improve bone health in people with osteoporosis or at risk for the disease.

During weight-bearing exercises your muscles are forced to pull harder on your bones than they normally do, which makes your bones seek more calcium from your body and thus causing bone density to increase.

But when is impact too high? According to Richard Cotton, chief exercise physiologist at myexerciseplan.com, it’s when it causes pain – either acute or chronic.

Strength training can help older adults by reducing the risk of falls, increasing bone density and building endurance. Not only that, but strength training can also reduce symptoms of arthritis, heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, obesity and back pain. According to a program detailed in “Growing Stronger: Strength Training for Older Adults,” some ideal exercises include wall pushups, squats onto a chair, toe stands and various chair exercises.