Why Exercise is Key to Bone Health: An Orthopedic Doctor Weighs In

Staying active helps maintain joint flexibility and balance, promotes better posture and strengthens bones.

“The body does not like to be inactive,” says Patrick Moen, MD, a BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon at Christian Hospital who specializes in shoulder and elbow surgery. “I always recommend people try to remain as physically active as they can.”

Exercise that involves bearing weight on your body is stimulating to the bone and helps to stabilize the body and build new bone. For example, staying active with friends and family — doing activities such as coaching baseball or football — can sometimes be enough physical activity to promote bone and muscle health.

“The more active you are, the stronger your bones will be,” Dr. Moen adds. He does weight training and uses a recumbent bike to keep his bones strong. “Anything that keeps you moving is good, but activities that bring you joy while keeping you active are even better.” He also recommends weightlifting — specifically lighter weights — to build bone health.

Stretching is an excellent way to maintain flexibility. “I am a strong advocate for yoga because it helps keeps the joints flexible,” says Dr. Moen. “I’ve found that maintaining flexibility can help prevent strains and injuries.”

Low-impact physical activities that keep bones strong include:

• Walking
• Jogging
• Biking
• Hiking
• Swimming
• Light weight training
• Dancing
• Climbing stairs
• Playing tennis
• Playing pickleball
• Jumping rope

Learn more about orthopedics at BJC or find a specialist. Ready to see a doctor? Request a call to book an appointment.

Interested in reading more about bone health? Find out when you should see a specialist about your pain, how to prevent sports injuries before they happen, and learn about foods that support strong bones.