You may already be aware that running can boost your cardiovascular health, but now scientists suggest this type of high-impact exercise can aid your bone health as well.
Scientists from the University of Missouri looked at the benefits of different forms of exercise cycling, jogging and resistance training on peoples bone mineral density.
Analyzing this info for men aged 19 to 45 over the course of several years, they found that both weight-resistance training and running was good for bone mass.
However, the most significant effect was seen among regular runners, the researchers said.
Lead author Pam Hinton said the results suggest “exercise programs to increase bone strength should be designed using what is known about how bones respond to exercise.”
Many people also look to nutritional supplements containing calcium and vitamin D to support bone health.
Health experts suggest people between the ages of 19 and 50 get approximately 1,000 mg of calcium per day, with those over 51 recommended to up their intake to 1,200 mg.