Is walking considered a

[Bella the Ball 360]

weight bearing exercise? I walk each day and was listening to a show where they said weight bearing exercise will help to prevent brittle bone disease.

 

[snykymom]

To some degree, yes, but not enough to prevent osteoporosis. To do that, you must lift weight in addition to your body weight.

 

[FireDancer]

Unless you are doing a long walk or hike in a rucksack no, I wouldn't consider it weight bearing.

 

[HelenePA]

Unless you are doing a long walk or hike in a rucksack no, I wouldn't consider it weight bearing.

what is a "long walk"? I usually walk 5-6 miles a night

 

[FireDancer]

what is a "long walk"? I usually walk 5-6 miles a night

For the purpose of making walking a weight bearing exercise I'd say over 10 miles and the terrain would have to be somewhat difficult while you were wearing some sort of extra weight beyond your bodyweight.

By the loosest definition you could consider it weight bearing to just walk and you'll probably find some sites that define it as such but I don't. If I was trying to specifically do weight bearing exercises I'd do them in the gym or with added weight.

Outside of this discussion long walk really depends on the person. What I consider a long walk, what my 60+ year old mother considers a long walk, and what my 80+ year old grandmother considers a long walk will not be the same.

 

[aaarcher86]

In general terms, no. Naturally there are always exceptions, but if you're just walking around a neighborhood it wouldn't be weight bearing.

 

[Justmeandnooneelse]

"Weight-bearing means your feet and legs support your body’s weight."

 

[EMAW_KSU]

Weight-bearing means your feet and legs support your body's weight.

 

[Justmeandnooneelse]

Weight-bearing means your feet and legs support your body's weight.

I know, right?

(were we googling at the same time?)

 

[wiigirl]

I know, right?

(were we googling at the same time?)

 

[FireDancer]

Weight-bearing means your feet and legs support your body's weight.

Eh, as I said, by the loosest definition yes. Walking is good and all but when I think of weight bearing I want to have added resistance, not just my bodyweight. I would use the term body-weight exercise for anything that is only using my own weight and gravity, not weight bearing. To each their own.

 

[Deb in IA]

The National Osteoporosis Foundation considers walking a low-impact weight bearing exercise and an effective alternative if you cannot do high-impact exercise, and suggests 30 minutes a day for bone health.

http://www.nof.org/articles/238

 

[Justmeandnooneelse]

Eh, as I said, by the loosest definition yes. Walking is good and all but when I think of weight bearing I want to have added resistance, not just my bodyweight. I would use the term body-weight exercise for anything that is only using my own weight and gravity, not weight bearing. To each their own.

I trust WebMd and the National Osteoporosis Foundation more, and all the other sites I saw when googling. Sorry.

 

[dminnie]

Yes, walking is weight bearing.

Many resources for osteoporosis patients actually don't recommend running if you already are well into the progression of the disease. Running is very high impact and can cause tiny fractures(if you have the disease). Walking and running are both considered weight bearing. Things like swimming, ellyptical, or bike riding is not considered weight bearing. (all still very good for cross training)

 

[EMAW_KSU]

Yes, walking is weight bearing.

Things like swimming, ellyptical, or bike riding is not considered weight bearing. (all still very good for cross training)

Since you are not supporting your body's weight with your legs and feet.

 

[stacym]

My Sports Medicine Dr. told me that both walking and the elliptical are low impact weight bearing exercises.

 

[Bella the Ball 360]

In general terms, no. Naturally there are always exceptions, but if you're just walking around a neighborhood it wouldn't be weight bearing.

I do wear 5lb weights on my wrists but I am thinking that is not enough.

 

[dminnie]

My Sports Medicine Dr. told me that both walking and the elliptical are low impact weight bearing exercises.

Thanks! I stand to be corrected. Looking up more information about it, the elliptical is a low impact weight bearing exercise. (makes me more glad we're planning to get one)

I do wear 5lb weights on my wrists but I am thinking that is not enough.

Just the weight of your own body is enough for it to be a weight bearing exercise. Adding 5 lb. weights adds more resistance, so more benefit. You could do it with or without the weights and still benefit from the exercise.

 

[aaarcher86]

I do wear 5lb weights on my wrists but I am thinking that is not enough.

You could add on some ankle weights if you want a bit more resistance. The fact that you're walking several miles regularly at all is great I wouldn't get too hung up on what prevents what - exercise, eat healthy, and the rest is out of your hands!

 

[FLCyndi]

The National Osteoporosis Foundation, webMD and other medical sites consider it weight bearing exercise.