Fitness
Experts Say These Small And Easy Fitness Items Can Help Improve Your Bone Density
You’re probably familiar with many of the benefits of regular exercise, when done properly. From building muscle to boosting your energy and even helping your brain function better, there’s no shortage of reasons to work up a sweat. But there’s another great benefit you might not think about as much: You could be improving your bone density through exercise, according to experts.
“Bone density refers to how strong and solid your bones are,” Dr. Raphael Longobardi, New Jersey-based orthopedic surgeon told HuffPost. He serves with the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group and specializes in sports medicine, frequently identifying ways to strengthen the body. “The amount of mineral content in our bones helps them maintain their strength and resistance to fractures. Maintaining bone density is an incredibly important preventative for reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis or fractures. This is especially true as we age.”
There are also risk factors for certain groups, according to Kai-Yu Ho, a physical therapist and professor of physical therapy at University of Nevada in Las Vegas. Ho said bone density is important to look after “especially in postmenopausal women, as estrogen loss speeds up bone weakening.”
So, if you’re concerned about your bone density, how can exercise help?
“Exercise is a critical component to bone health,” said Dr. Deborah Sellmeyer, a clinical professor of medicine in endocrinology, gerontology and metabolism at Stanford University. “Impact exercises and weight training have been shown to increase bone density. Exercise regimens that incorporate balance training have been shown to reduce falls. Improved bone density and reduced falls help reduce fracture risk.” According to Ho and Longobardi, resistance and weight training increase bone density because they put stress on your bones and muscles, which promotes stronger bone growth.
Sellmeyer advised that we all include three components in our exercise for bone health: 30 minutes of daily impact exercise, 15 to 20 minutes of weights and resistance training a few times a week and daily balance training.
You can make these changes in your fitness routine without spending a ton of money or taking on daunting new machines or at the gym.
“Bodyweight exercises and free weights can be just as effective, without the need for a gym membership or expensive equipment,” Longobardi said. Regardless of your approach, he added, “it is important to consult a physician before beginning an exercise program and be aware of your limits to ensure that you can maximize bone-strengthening benefits while reducing the risk of potential strain or injury.”
If you haven’t been looking after your bone health, now’s the time: Based on the experts’ advice, we rounded up some small and easy fitness items you can use to help improve your bone density and reduce your risk of fractures.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
Amazon
A set of resistance bands with different resistance levels
All three experts we spoke to recommended resistance bands as one of the most effective pieces of exercise equipment that can help increase bone density through resistance training. Ho said bands are “useful for beginners and those with limited mobility,” while Longobardi explained, “They apply resistance that stimulates bone growth through stress.”
We like this five-pack because all five bands are the same length, but each one has a different resistance level, from extra-light to extra-heavy. “It’s important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries,” Longobardi said, advice that Ho echoed.
The bands are made with a durable, elastic fabric that comes in a bunch of colors. You can use the bands for squats, lunges and other exercises.
Promising review: “These are high quality resistance bands. They have a slight texture to them which holds them in place while using them. Purchased after recommended by my physical therapist. Variety of resistance bands in the pack which makes it easy to make exercises easier or harder!” — Austin Nichols
Amazon
A weighted vest to increase bone density while walking
According to Ho, “Weighted vests increase bone-loading stimulus, especially during walking or bodyweight exercises.” To properly use a weighted vest for walking to help with bone density or osteoporosis, Medical News Today suggests trying out a vest without weights first, then adding the lowest possible amount and slowly increasing that amount over time. (It’s generally recommended that you start with no more than 10% of your body weight, but always check with your physician first.)
To do this, you may be best off with an adjustable vest like this one by Zelus, so you can change the weight. The vest comes in three sizes and six colors, with six removable weights on each vest. The vest is designed to evenly distribute the load, and the neoprene material is strong and comfortable. The vest is also equipped with reflective strips for visibility and a pocket to hold your keys, phone and other essentials.
Promising review: “My workout program includes a daily walk/run. I have osteoporosis in my spine and I’d been looking for a weight vest to wear during my walks to possibly help rebuild bone density. I really like this vest because the straps are adjustable; there’re pockets in the front to hold keys, tissue, etc.; it doesn’t ride up or rub when I’m running; and the weights are easy to add and remove. The vest had a noticeable chemical smell when I first took it out the box, but the smell quickly dissipated after the vest sat out a couple days. All in all, it’s great value for the money!” — E. R. Rogers
Amazon
A mini stair stepper to help you get in some weight-bearing exercise
Improving your bone density can be as simple as getting your steps in. Who knew? “Other weight-bearing exercises such as walking, stair climbing, and aerobics also contribute to bone health,” Longobardi said. “Activities such as these cause your bones to bear your body weight against gravity, and this contributes to increasing bone mass and preventing osteoporosis in the future.” Sellmeyer also suggested stair climbing as part of her recommended 30 minutes of impact exercise a day.
If you don’t live in a building with stairs or near a set of stairs you can use, a mini stair stepper like this one can provide an easy and convenient way to do these exercises without having to leave the house or make room for large equipment. This stepper has a loading capacity of 300 pounds and weighs just 16 pounds itself, so you can move it around the house as shown in the pictures here. The silent cushioning pad will keep the machine from making too much noise, and the height of the steps can be adjusted depending on your workout needs. You can even use it sitting down, as one reviewer can attest to.
Amazon
Or a walking pad to get even more steps in throughout the day
Again, Longobardi and Sellmeyer both recommended walking for impact exercise. One other exercise you can try, according to Sellmeyer, is “tandem walking,” where you walk “in a straight line with one foot directly in front of the other” to train your balance and reduce falls (and therefore, your risk of fracturing bones). Like the stair stepper, a walking pad can come in handy if you have less time to go outside for a walk or less space for something like a treadmill that can’t be easily stowed away when not in use.
Our pick is this one by Akluer, though you can check out our walking pad buying guide for more options. You can adjust the incline up to 5%, and the LED display lets you see important stats like distance and speed. The running belt is anti-slip with shock absorbers for a comfortable walk. And when you’re done, tuck away the pad under a bed or sofa with ease using the built-in transport wheels.
Zappos
A pair of comfortable, supportive shoes
Whether or not you buy fancy equipment for your workouts, what you’ll always want is a good pair of shoes. “Supportive footwear [is] essential for impact activities like jumping and jogging to prevent joint stress,” Ho said, adding that proper footwear can help you avoid injuries.
When it comes to supportive and comfy shoes, we’re Hoka fans here at HuffPost, and the Bondi 9s are podiastrist-recommended, to boot. Their plush cushioning and supportive construction have made them a cult favorite for the brand. You can get them in a bunch of colorways and men’s sizes 7-16, as well as women’s sizes 4-12.
While the buttons below will take you to Nordstrom to shop these sneakers, you can also get them in a range of colors at Zappos in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Amazon
A foam balance pad for balance training
Sellmeyer recommended some simple balance exercises, including “standing on each leg for 30 seconds two to three times each day, [and] doing the same standing on a foam balance pad which is more difficult.” Foam balance pads have an unstable surface, so using them can help your balance and stability.
We like this one made by ProsourceFit, which comes in two sizes and has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating with more than 14,000 reviews. The lightweight pad weighs just 12 ounces so you can carry it wherever, and use it for Sellmeyer’s recommended balance exercises as well as lunges, squats, planks and more. That’s in addition to other uses around the house, like as a knee pad for gardening, a foot pad for underneath your desk and more. Talk about versatility. The pad is available in five colors.
Promising review: “Functions exactly as advertised. great for balance and core work. this pad has the perfect amount of “give” to work those areas. also the small waves on the surface help to prevent sliding on hard wood floors.” — Mary S.
Amazon
A pair of adjustable dumbbells for weight training
Both Ho and Longobardi named adjustable dumbbells as a beneficial equipment option for resistance training. Why adjustable? “While free weights and resistance bands can help stimulate bone growth, it’s important to begin with lighter resistance, gradually increasing in intensity to prevent injuries,” Longobardi said.
Ho added that adjustable equipment is more suitable for long-term use as you slowly up the intensity of your workouts. In other words, adjustable dumbbells involve taking on a higher cost upfront, but you’ll save money later by not having to purchase new dumbbells so soon.
Our pick is this set from Lifepro, which comes in three weight ranges. You just use the sliders to increase or decrease the weight. The dumbbells have a non-slip handle and safety locking mechanism, as well as a storage rack that comes included so you can keep these secure and out of the way.
Amazon
Or this single adjustable dumbbell
If you’d rather start off with one instead of a pair, Target sells a single adjustable dumbbell from their All In Motion brand. This plastic and steel dumbbell goes up to 25 pounds and comes with a similar storage tray.
Promising review: “These are really nice (I bought 2)! I am a beginner with strength training, so I like that these are compact and easy to adjust the weight. Took me a minute to figure out how to use it (didn’t realize the explanation was printed on the actually dumbbells lol) and when I first picked them up one of the plates fell out but luckily I was sitting on the floor. All in all an excellent product and makes me feel confident using weights!” — Teeintee
Recess Pickleball
A pickleball paddle set for beginners
Pickleball has become “America’s fastest-growing sport” over the past couple of years, and it can also help improve your bone density, according to Sellmeyer, who suggested the activity as one type of impact exercise. This is also a great way to work out with family or friends for something a little more exciting than a typical walk or weightlifting session.
This starter set from Recess Pickleball includes two durable fiberglass paddles with sweat-proof handles and three balls. The brand offers tons of color and pattern options, including the fun “Dog Day” doodles shown here, as well as sets with paddle cases, a gym bag and up to eight paddles.
Fitness
Adults hop on viral ‘rebounding’ trend to make exercise fun again — ‘I feel like a kid’
Forget boring home workouts, on-demand HITT classes and cold winter runs.
The latest wellness trend bouncing around TikTok involves a workout you might not even realize you’re doing, and that’s the point. It’s called rebounding. This low-impact exercise involves jumping on a mini fitness trampoline — called a rebounder — to get your heart pumping and support lymphatic drainage.
On Amazon, this best-selling model is currently on sale for just $129. It measures in at just 40 inches, making it ideal for small spaces while still offering room for an adult to jump, squat and jog in place. Users swear it gives them a seriously effective full-body workout, and many remark that it’s “so much fun” to use.
Clinical trials also back the benefits: a 12-week rebounding program for overweight women showed significant improvements in body composition as well as a decrease in diastolic blood pressure.
Ready to jump on the rebounding trend, too? You’d better hop on this Amazon deal fast.
This sleek rebounder by BCAN is sturdy and easy to set up, thanks to pre-assembled bungees and simpel video tutorial.
Reviewers say it’s completely changed their workouts, with one remarking they “feel like a little kid again.” Others have also noted it’s much easier on their joints than higher-impact exercises.
“It absorbs impact well and allows for a nice, smooth rebound that is gentle on the joints, making it perfect for a low-impact cardio workout,” one person explained. “Whether I’m doing high-intensity intervals or simply bouncing for fun, the movement feels fluid and responsive.
The BCAN model features an upgraded handlebar for added stability. It’s 8mm premium bungee — with a durable woven outer layer and a 350-strand natural latex core — delivers smooth, quiet bounces, so you can enjoy your workout without disturbing others.
This article was written by Miska Salemann, New York Post Commerce Writer/Reporter. As a health-forward member of Gen Z, Miska seeks out experts to weigh in on the benefits, safety and designs of both trending and tried-and-true fitness equipment, workout clothing, dietary supplements and more. Taking matters into her own hands, Miska intrepidly tests wellness products, ranging from Bryan Johnson’s Blueprint Longevity Mix to the viral Oura Ring to Jennifer Aniston’s favorite workout platform – often with her adorable toddler by her side. Before joining The Post, Miska covered lifestyle and consumer topics for the U.S. Sun and The Cannon Beach Gazette.
Fitness
Fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares why exercise is crucial for kids: ‘Not just about health and fitness’
Exercise is often spoken about in the context of physical fitness – stronger muscles, better stamina and improved overall health. But its value, especially for children, extends far beyond the body. Regular physical activity can quietly shape character, teaching lessons about effort, patience, discipline and resilience that mirror how the real world works. From learning to cope with discomfort to understanding that progress takes time, exercise can become a powerful training ground for life itself.
Also Read | Chennai fitness trainer with 18 years of experience shares 5 simple things to focus on for long-term fitness
Chennai-based fitness trainer with 18 years of experience, Raj Ganpath – founder of the Slow Burn Method, co-founder and head coach at Quad Fitness, and author of Simple, Not Easy – is shedding light on why exercise is important for kids, with the benefits going beyond health and fitness. In an Instagram video shared on February 27, he explains how the impact of exercise extends far beyond physical wellness, shaping resilience, discipline and long-term character development.
Embracing discomfort
According to Raj, exercise is one of the healthiest ways to help children learn how to sit with discomfort in a safe, structured and sustainable way. Life inevitably brings challenges and unease – something adults understand well – but many children today are shielded from situations that test their resilience.
He explains, “Exercise is a great way to experience this discomfort in a safe and sustainable manner. Lifting weights, holding a plank, doing cardio, repping till it burns, all of these things are opportunities to embrace discomfort, opportunities to put themselves in a place where they’re not comfortable and learn from it, opportunities to practice physical and mental resilience.”
Learning hardship
The fitness trainer emphasises that hardship is an inevitable part of life, and meaningful success often requires pushing through moments of difficulty. While most adults recognise this truth through lived experience, children may not always have the same exposure to challenge. Raj believes exercise can bridge that gap.
He elaborates, “It will teach them that they need to do hard things if they want to accomplish something. Getting through a very hard workout, setting a goal and achieving it, completing a task. All of these things are not just random chores. These are incredible opportunities – opportunities to experience hardship and build fortitude.”
Delayed gratification
In today’s fast-paced world, the desire for instant gratification is stronger than ever – and children are growing up at the centre of it. With technology, streaming platforms and 10-minute delivery services, almost everything is available at the tap of a screen. As a result, the ability to wait, persist and work steadily towards a long-term goal can easily take a back seat. Exercise, notes Raj, offers a powerful counterbalance.
He explains, “Everyone wants everything right away today. This is true for us adults too, but it is even more true for our kids because this is the only world they know. A world where everything happens right then and right there, whenever they want it, wherever they want it. Exercise will teach them to wait, to be patient, to trust the process, to fail and still keep going, to work towards something larger that they will get much later. This is a very important character building quality and will serve them well for many, many years to come.”
The fitness trainer concludes, “Exercise is not just about health and fitness. It is a simulation of life itself. A ready-made character building tool available to you to help prepare your kids for life, the raw and real life that they’re going to have to deal with no matter what. So make sure they build the habit and make sure they embrace it.”
Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. It is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
Fitness
What Are “Movement Snacks”? How To Try This Trending Fitness Hack
The World Health Organization says the average adult is supposed to get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity five days a week, which sounds somewhat doable until it’s 9 p.m., your kids are finally in bed, and you just want to fall onto the couch and dissociate. But more and more people online are talking about “movement snacks” — little bite-sized amounts of exercise you can do throughout your day to meet your 60-minute goal without having to make special time for one big workout. Because yes, we all want to be our healthiest, but sometimes a HIIT class at the gym is just not in the schedule.
We asked personal trainers and fitness coaches for their favorite movement snacks you can do in the office, around the house, and on busy weekends when everyone’s home.
How much exercise is a person really supposed to get?
While the WHO recommends 60 minutes a day, the CDC is a little more lax, recommending at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity a week, or about 30 minutes a day, five days a week. While it may feel like you’re the only one struggling to fit a workout into your daily routine, you’re far from alone. In fact, it’s always been hard for most Americans. So, while movement snacks may be a cute new term we’re all hearing for the first time, fitness pros have been promoting bite-sized exercise forever.
“I work with busy professionals, so I’ve been integrating micro workouts of two to 10 minutes into my clients’ lifestyles for almost 20 years,” says Andrea Marcellus, certified personal trainer and CEO of AND/life.
The most important thing for your health isn’t getting all your daily movement done in one big, perfectly curated workout — it’s about being consistent, Marcellus says. Movement snacks can help you stay consistent because you don’t have to budget a big chunk of time; instead, you can fit something simple into your day when you have three minutes to spare. Hell, you don’t even have to change clothes or go anywhere.
“Most people think movement only counts if it’s a workout. That mindset is what keeps people sedentary. In reality, your body doesn’t care if steps come from a hike, a gym session, or pacing when you’re on a call,” says Lindy Royer, physical therapist and balanced body educator. “This is where you win the game — by stacking movement into things you’re already doing.”
Movement Snacks To Try Throughout Your Day
- Set an alarm on your phone to chime every hour — that’s what women’s fitness coach Allison Kalsched tells her clients. When it goes off, stand up and do 10 bodyweight squats. Then go back to work. When you get tired of squats, mix in walking lunges, push-ups (it’s fine if they’re modified!), or dead bugs. Throw on 30 seconds of jumping jacks or high knees for bone-building benefits, which is important for women in menopause, she adds.
- Take a micro walk. “Five minutes or 500 steps is my absolute favorite,” says Dr. Milica McDowell, doctor of physical therapy, author of the forthcoming book Walk, and exercise physiologist at US Physical Therapy. “It changes mood, lowers blood pressure, boosts mental clarity, and can help you get your cumulative steps in.”
- Dance to your new favorite song with your kids or all by yourself. “Dance party was big with my kids after dinner,” Marcellus says. “It takes four to 10 mins and helps kids burn off dinner energy, while also giving parents a metabolic boost.”
- Stop and do 60 reps of any full-body exercise, like squats, lunges, or jumping jacks — this usually takes about two minutes, no matter which one you choose, Marcellus says. Or, hold a plank for one to two minutes.
- Pair walking with habits that already exist to get your steps in, like marching in place while brushing your teeth or doing a lap inside the house while your food is in the microwave. “This means you’re not adding time — you are upgrading your time,” says Royer.
- Count your housework. Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, general domestic labor — these things totally contribute to your total exercise time each day, says Royer.
- If you go up or down the stairs at home, just… do it two or three times. That little extra here and there adds up, according to Royer.
The best advice is to focus not on “how can I move right now?” but “how can I do something that isn’t sitting right now?” Royer says. “The real truth that most people ignore is that sedentary time is the real enemy, not a lack of workouts. Focus on breaking up your sitting time. Build in frequent movement snacks. You’re not looking for perfection, just something more than nothing. You don’t need more time; you actually just need more conscious efforts to move.”
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