Does yoga strengthen bones? I want to prevent osteoporosis.

Hi Nona,

Osteoporosis is more predominant in menopausal women because of hormonal changes. Therefore preventive practice is very important throughout a women’s life. Yoga postures called Asanas, that are weight bearing, can provide the answer.

Weight bearing postures improve muscle mass and bone density.

All balancing postures are weight bearing and give the added benefit of increasing the ability to concentrate, balancing the nervous system and maintaining sense of balance and stability both physically and mentally:

On a physical level the balancing and weight bearing asanas develop strong muscles and build bones. The strengthening of our bones helps prevent osteoporosis. When the body is in a standing position the weight of muscles attached to the bones alone provides enough stress for bones to regenerate. Bone that is made strong in one part of the body communicates to bone mass throughout the entire body so even balancing or weight bearing through one joint will improve the bone density in all the bones of the body.