my complete workout

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Remember the down is good for building bone density.

Can you elaborate on that concept, Mimi? I don't do weight training, so anything that helps bone density would be great! Tell me more! Why would going down stairs be better for bone density than going up stairs??

[SadieKate]

There are studies that show that impact is important for building bone density. Running, jumping jacks, etc. For example, mountain bikers have fewer bone density problems than road bikers. Weight lifting typically doesn't involve any kind of joint impact.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Good bone density news for stair climbers AND bikers:
http://www.mhmhhealthwise.com/librar...20your%20bones

[SadieKate]

http://www.beezodogsplace.com/Pages/...s-Cycling.html

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

http://www.beezodogsplace.com/Pages/...s-Cycling.html

Good info- thanks! I guess stair climbing would fit in with the hiking as recommended activity.
Weird advice at the end though, of "hunching over" and complaining of aches to your doctor so that the insurance will more likely pay for your bone scan!

[Wahine]

Lisa SH - going downstairs works a little better because it requires a different type of muscle contraction than going up. Muslce forces on the bone also act to improve bone density, as long as weight is being applied to the body. When you go down stairs the physical pull on the bone from the muscle action is greater. This is why it helps more.

This is also why weight training is important even if it is low impact.

Unfortunately, with road cycling, your body weight is supported and the muscle pull on the bone with each contraction is not that large, especially if you are spinning at a high cadence. That's why bone density can be a problem in cyclists.

[mimitabby]

http://www.beezodogsplace.com/Pages/...s-Cycling.html

I just saw these articles, THanks Lisa and SadieKate

to add to the title of this thread, I can now do pushups.