by Mary Y. Choi

Reviewed by: Timothy Yarboro, MD

You may go to the gym for tighter abs, stronger arms and slimmer thighs, but your bones need a workout, too. By around age 30, bone mass peaks and then slowly begins to decline, putting us at increased risk for osteoporosis and fractures. Women especially are at risk for osteoporosis after menopause because they lose the protection of estrogen and begin to drop 1 to 2 percent of bone mass annually. Fortunately, the right kinds of exercise not only strengthen bones but also help with balance, posture and functioning in everyday activities, according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.

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