Osteoarthritis patients should avoid high-impact sports such as jogging, tennis, and racquetball. These exercises may be particularly important if leg muscle weakness turns out to be a cause of osteoarthritis, as some research suggests. Low-impact aerobics also help stabilize and support the joints and may even reduce inflammation in some joints. Cycling and walking are beneficial, and swimming or exercising in water is highly recommended for people with arthritis. Patients should strive for short but frequent exercise sessions guided by physical therapists or certified instructors.
Exercise is very important for slowing the progression of osteoporosis.
Women should begin exercising before adolescence, since bone mass increases during puberty and reaches its peak between ages 20 and 30. These exercises, however, increase the risk for osteoporotic fractures in elderly patients, who would benefit most from regular, brisk, long walks. Careful weight training is beneficial as well for older women. Sedentary living, obesity, poor posture, badly designed furniture, and stress all contribute to back pain. An appropriate exercise program focusing on flexibility and strengthening the muscles in the abdomen may help prevent back problems.