Yoga as exercise - Osteoporosis Message Board

frodo2462000 · 09-20-2003, 11:23 PM

I recently read that Yoga is a good excercise-has anyone else heard this? Also read that just plain walking was not enough "weight bearing" excercise. I include moderate hills in my walking but no jogging. Maybe just adding ankle or wrist weights would be enough? I also enjoy recreational kayaking but now worry about possible fractures - I just suffered a wrist fracture from a fairly simple fall. My bone scan was -2.25 last year and again this year after taking Fosomax for the year. Have added Miacalcin nasal spray. I know those are not good results but I really don't know where I fall in the seriousness of this - guess I needed to ask more questions of the Dr when I had a chance.

DTemple · 09-21-2003, 09:24 AM

I go to an advanced Yoga class twice a week. Yoga is excellent exercise for osteoporosis as long as you avoid some of the more aggressive postures. A beginner/intermediate class would be a good start. I am going to start weight bearing exercises with three pound weights. My Yoga teacher consulted with a physical therapist on my behalf and they advise against using weights on your ankles for walking. There is a book called Strong Women, Strong Bones that gives information about the proper exercise for osteoporosis. My endocrinologist told me to quit downhill skiing, which I might trade for snow shoeing this winter. So far I am not taking any medications.

marciakeeney · 09-21-2003, 02:25 PM

I have read in numerous places NOT to use hand or ankle weights while walking because they mess up your balance as well as adding a lot of strain to your joints, possibly causing injury. They should only be used for stationary strength training. I agree with the above that the Strong Women Strong Bones book is a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for mapping out a plan for exercise and strength training specifically for osteoporosis.

jinglebts · 09-23-2003, 08:57 AM

the surgeon who pinned my broken hip back together says that walking is the best exercise you can get -- just simple WALKING, and some 5-lb weights for arm strength twice a week ...

i got osteo from being hypothyroid, and am hoping that synthroid/calcium/vitD/calcitonin, and walking, will do the trick on my next bone scan ...

yoga keeps the joints and spine supple, so altho' i don't do it yet, i think it's excellent overall exercise, and some poses are standing, so ...

jb

[This message has been edited by jinglebts (edited 09-23-2003).]

peregrine · 09-23-2003, 10:13 AM

If you are only going to take up one regime, better to choose one that is weight-bearing (if you have osteo) Yoga is great for limbering and such, but is not considered weight-bearing.

Peregrine