I am 64 years old with osteoporosis. I take Fosamax weekly and 1500 milligrams of calcium supplements daily. I walk two miles daily. I have read recently that various groups are recommending jumping as an exercise to strengthen the bones. The patient is to jump vertically, approximately 4 to 5 inches and land flatfooted. Fifty jumps are suggested, and the routine is to be repeated three times a week.
My questions are:
Can I jump 100 times per set?
Can I jump every day, instead of only three times per week?
Thank you.

Hello,

Altho I have no medical background, but in other PT programs due to injuries... I have been told that I can increase my exercises as long as I do not hurt from them. They told me that my body will tell me when I am maxed. I was given some exercises that were hold for 5 sec's and 20 rep's... but I hold for 10 to 15 sec's and do about 50 reps. They also told me to do them once a day. And I will do them twice a day as long as I am feeling up to it. I am not sure about the effects of the jumping, but a quick call to the doctor should okay it. Most of the exercises are designed to strengthen on an average. For the more active people the ones they tell you to do are easier to do and seem less effective even tho they are improving your condition. You just won't see the change as much. Hey, what about jumping jacks? Won't they help too?

~Just tryin' to help
~Joan http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/wave.gif

Hi,
I'm faily new to osteoporosis, but trying to get as much info as possible.
When it comes to exercise, I have read a few books. The one I really liked is, "Strong Women Strong Bones".
There are a number of strength training exercises in the book. My concern is whether I should just do the exercises or firt consult with a doctor.
Can anyone tell me which doctor would be best qualified to answer this question. I was thinking of consulting a physical therapist. Just not sure if that's the way to go.
Any feedback would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Lisa

Since I was diagnosed 2 yrs ago I went through denial since I thought 51 was too young to get osteoporosis, so I flirted with it another year and suffered another 15% bone loss. I got down to business as the Dr said do or end up in a wheelchair. I walk the treadmil for 45 minutes 6 days a week, 20 mintues at a 15% incline at 3.4mph for bone building, you need resistance to build bone I would think jumping and landing flatfooted could do damage(my feet couldn't take it I know)try lifing low weights as well as aerobics.

I have heard that jumping can build bone BUT that if you already have osteoporosis you shouldn't do it, due to the fracture risk...anyone have more information? I want to do what I can to build bone, but I do have osteoporosis already.

Orthopedic surgeon says: "we don't beat our feet!"

Which leaves out jogging, clogging, irish and flamenco dancing, and other pounding types of activities which could cause fractures all the way from your neck to your feet. But some forms of dancing are fine, you balance differently, and touch the floor differently ...waltz, even polka! Steady firm walking
instead of running, as on a treadmill.

I may not have it completely right but: the gist is that astronauts lose bone because of lack of gravity. Someone developed exercises for them. My TaiChi group does this: standing on your toes, then letting your heels fall to the floor, 50 times, rather than jumping. Barefoot on a mat would be the best way. You jar, a little, but the posture keeps you from crashing your bones down, which could compress your vertebrae and/or break bones in your feet.

Depending on your condition, I'd ask a bone person before doing anything that could be called "jumping". I'm also doing "Strong Women Stay Young" exercises. Don't know if my bones are benefitting, but I feel better overall than I did two weeks ago!

jim's girl

I have Miriam Nelson's book Strong Women, Stong Bones. In there it talks about the lateral jump. It says to land on on the balls of your feet with you knees slightly bent. Not flat footd that is dangerous and you could break any number of bones in your feet or legs. You start with 10 and work your way up. I for one am very discouraged about if anything we do will do any good. It seems like there are stories both ways so I am doing what I can and hoping for the best. You either die from the meds or broken bones I think it is time the drug companies tried to help us out a little.

Try: "I'm Not Slowing Down" by Ann Richards...it's a
quick read. She lists many of the drugs available,
pros and cons of each, and her choice: Evista and why.

Keeping in mind that she is a spokes person for that
drug, and says so, and says why, the book is good
general information. Raises some issues I wondered about,like: how do they decide what to scan when they do a bone density, and how come they didn't do my hip that has less freedom of motion? They didn't ask ME!

It's also hopeful and positive, which I needed. I'm
doing the excercises from "Strong Women Stay Young"
because self-knowledge tells me they're safe for me.
But I found this book useful. Has anyone else read it?

jim's girl