If you have osteoporosis, then you could be at risk for bone fracture since this disease causes weak, brittle bones. While it may seem counter-intuitive to lift weights if you have this condition, it's an important aspect of treatment to encourage and maintain bone density. You may want to look at visit a clinic or gym that has isometric exercise machines, like biodensity machines. Isometric exercises are those which focus on contractions of specific muscle groups. Take a look at why isometric exercises are important and how biodensity can help.

What Do Studies Say About Isometric Exercises?

Researchers in one study looked at biological markers of bone formation and bone resorption. They found that when participants did resisted isometric exercises for only 10 minutes a day, they were able to encourage bone formation and strengthen muscles in the neck, back, and upper and lower extremities.

Another study found that resistance exercise was important for musculoskeletal health. Resistance exercise stimulates muscle protein synthesis (MPS), which is involved in muscle contractions. MPS in turn stimulates signals that can regulate cell cycles and bone growth.

How are Biodensity Machines Different Than Free Weights or Other Machines?

While free weights and other exercise tools are helpful, they may not be the best tools to use if you are just starting out or have bone pain. For one thing, when you are doing reps, once you are finished lifting, you still have to carefully lower the weight and put it down. With a biodensity machine, the load will gently release the weight you are lifting at any time you wish to stop. This means that you can push yourself to a maximum level without worrying that you are doing too much and risking injury once you are done.

Compared to standard increments, like 5, 10, or 15 pound weights, the loads on biodensity machines are also customized to you needs. Biodensity machines are connected to software that will graph your progress over a period of time, so that you can see exactly how much resistance you are using and how much recovery time you need.

What are Sessions Like?

Since biodensity machines are connected to software that will analyze your progress, you'll need to visit a clinic or club that has one of these machines and a professional who can operate them. The operator may go over your current progress before or after you start your exercises.

You may only need to spend a few minutes on a biodensity machine to see results, while other people may spend half an hour working out. Biodensity machines work all sorts of muscle groups, so your session may only include one group—like your legs—while some people may benefit from short reps in many muscle groups.

Like other resistance training methods, you should expect some muscle soreness after you are done. However, these exercises should improve circulation and decrease pain you may be feeling from osteoporosis. It's important to stay hydrated afterwards. Your doctor or trainer can show you how to safely stretch your muscles.

Reach out to an exercise professional in your area for more details about biodensity sessions.