If I only swim but don't do any other exercises, what will I be missing? Not much, I suppose? I can still have a good physique and it sure does more to my health than if running is my only exercise? Comments?
Parents
Former Member
Just to clarify, weight training is not the same thing as weight-bearing and can result in orthopedic problems of its own.
Weight-bearing (from an online source):
"Weight-bearing exercises, which have been shown to increase bone density, include walking, running, hiking, dancing, gymnastics, and soccer.
If you have osteoporosis, walk 30 to 40 minutes four to five times each week. Make it an aerobic activity—using a treadmill, stepper, or stairs—but avoid risky activities that could cause falls.
If you have osteopenia or normal bone density, any weight-bearing aerobic activity is fine. Do it 30 to 40 minutes four to five times each week."
What orthopedic problems?
Weight training is the best exercise for bone and muscle strength. It's easy to see why. The whole point of weight training is to carry as much weight as possible; it's the quintessential weight-bearing exercise. Running can have higher forces due to impact, but that same heavy repetitive impact causes other problems. Also, none of the activities you listed involve the upper body. I'm not an expert on this, but I would think that upper body bone density is desirable for preventing fractures.
Just to clarify, weight training is not the same thing as weight-bearing and can result in orthopedic problems of its own.
Weight-bearing (from an online source):
"Weight-bearing exercises, which have been shown to increase bone density, include walking, running, hiking, dancing, gymnastics, and soccer.
If you have osteoporosis, walk 30 to 40 minutes four to five times each week. Make it an aerobic activity—using a treadmill, stepper, or stairs—but avoid risky activities that could cause falls.
If you have osteopenia or normal bone density, any weight-bearing aerobic activity is fine. Do it 30 to 40 minutes four to five times each week."
What orthopedic problems?
Weight training is the best exercise for bone and muscle strength. It's easy to see why. The whole point of weight training is to carry as much weight as possible; it's the quintessential weight-bearing exercise. Running can have higher forces due to impact, but that same heavy repetitive impact causes other problems. Also, none of the activities you listed involve the upper body. I'm not an expert on this, but I would think that upper body bone density is desirable for preventing fractures.
