Why You Need Weight-Bearing Exercise

Everyone, young or old, needs regular weight-bearing activity to build and keep strong bones. Jogging, walking, soccer, dancing, stair climbing, or any activity in which your feet and legs carry the load is weight bearing. Swimming and cycling build cardiovascular fitness, but they are not weight bearing. 

Although you’re unable to see how your bones respond to exercise, your body sends chemical messages to your bones that make them stronger. In fact, X-rays of the arms of tennis players often show their bones are bigger and denser in their playing arm. Resistance exercises, such as weight lifting with machines and free weights, are also needed to build strong bones. 

Source: National Osteoporosis Foundation