certain nonimpact activities can improve your coordination flexibility and muscle strength and reduce your risk of falls and fractures while increasing your mobility and overall quality of life. balance exercises such as tai chi can strengthen your leg muscles and help you stay steadier on your feet. posture exercises can improve your carriage reduce the "sloping" shoulders associated with osteoporosis and decrease your risk of fractures especially in the spine. functional exercises can improve your ability to perform everyday activities such as getting in and out of bed and chairs and climbing stairs. balance posture and functional exercises can be performed daily. nonimpact programs such as yoga and pilates can improve strength balance and flexibility in people with osteoporosis. but some of the movements associated with these programs -- including forward-bending exercises -- can increase the risk of fracture. if you're interested in such programs ask your physical therapist to tell you which movements are most likely to be beneficial or harmful. although exercise can benefit almost everyone with osteoporosis it's important to remember that it's only one component of an overall treatment program. other essential lifestyle recommendations include a diet rich in calcium and vitamin d maintaining a normal body weight and avoiding tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption. you also may require osteoporosis medications to either build or maintain bone density. by working with your doctor you can develop an osteoporosis treatment program that's right for you.
what are some nonimpact activities for people with osteoporosis?