The Osteo Blast
by Dr. Susan E. Brown, PhD.
Remember jumping rope and playing hop scotch as a kid? Well, it’s time to think about those activities again, because hopping and jumping are great bone builders. As it turns out, bone strengthens in response to the load placed upon it, and high-impact activities like jumping load bone much more than low-impact activities like walking. Studies among children and adults show the bone benefits of this simple form of high impact exercise. Ten to 15 minutes of heel drops, hopping, or jumping three days a week helps to increase bone density and strength.
Daily hopping is invigorating. I use it when I feel sleepy at my desk! Here are some options for you. Depending on your current fitness level, you may feel comfortable starting with heel drops and working up to hopping or full-fledged power jumping.
Let’s get hopping!
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