There’s no secret that exercise does a body good.  In fact, we’re focusing this month and next on all the awesome benefits of exercise.

But did you know that your bones actually benefit from exercise, as well?  Well they do!

Study Shows Those Who Stay Active Suffer Fewer Broken Hips–Broken bones may be often associated with sporting injuries, but a new study shows that playing sports actually reduces the risk of broken bones over the long haul.

Researchers found that those who were most active throughout their lives were least likely to suffer broken hips or other broken bones.

For example, those who lived a sedentary lifestyle were two and a half times more likely to have a broken hip compared with those who exercised vigorously or participated in sports at least three hours a week.

Preventing Broken Bones

The study participants were divided into three categories, according to their physical activity level:

• Sedentary: little or no physical activity.
• Moderate activity: those who occasionally walked or cycled for pleasure.
• Active: those who participated in sports for at least three hours per week.

The results showed that 482 people had at least one broken bone and 134 broke a hip during the course of the study. But there were big differences among the three groups.

By the end of the study, 21% of the sedentary participants had broken their hip compared with 13% of those who were moderately active and 8% of those who were active.

While moderate activities, like bicycling or walking for pleasure, did offer some benefits, researchers found participation in sports appeared to provide the biggest bone protection.

Based on these results researchers estimate that one-third of hip fractures among older populations could be prevented if the individual participated in sports activities regularly.

Need Another Reason?

$9729–Average cost to the patient of the yearly follow-up for one experiencing a Hip Fracture…Does not include the surgery or hospital stay itself.

I know…I know…you’re really pressed for time.  You don’t have time to exercise.  Well I have good news and really good news.

First the good news:  Your exercise regimen doesn’t have to be something long and complicated.  It can be something as simple as doing 10 minutes worth of high intensity exercise when you first wake up in the morning, or going for a walk after lunch or dinner to make a positive impact.

Next the really good news:  You actually DO have time, you just might not realize it.  The benefits of exercise (and other health & wellness components) can be combined to pull double duty.  Plus, getting organized, efficient and having a good plan of action in place is the key, but once you have that, you’ll have all kinds of time to not only exercise, but to do the things that you love to do.

If you need some help with this, well this is what we do.  Contact us today so we can help you put together an awesome customized plan and get you started on the right track!

In the meantime, stay healthy & active!  Erin