Yoga for Osteoporosis? 13 Reasons to Start Practicing Yoga No Matter How Old You Are

Osteoporosis is Common

[Olimpik](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-266110733/stock-photo-happy-senior-woman-doing-yoga-at-home.html) Osteoporosis is a prevalent concern for millions of people in the U.S. In the United States, Japan and Europe, it’s estimated that more than [75 million](https://www.iofbonehealth.org/facts-statistics) people have osteoarthritis. At least one in three women and one in five men suffer from an osteoporotic fracture in their lifetime. These statistics are alarming and a reality of just how prevalent of a concern osteoporosis is. That’s why it’s important to do yoga to reduce a person’s risk and help the person achieve an overall better sense of well-being.

As You Get Older Problems Get Worse

[kurhan](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-97256873/stock-photo-senior-couple-doing-yoga-in-the-park-health.html)As a person ages, it becomes more common for him or her to develop osteoporosis. Starting yoga at an early age reduces the risk of this problem. That’s why a person should start yoga early.

Exercise Helps Osteoporosis

[kurhan](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-97256873/stock-photo-senior-couple-doing-yoga-in-the-park-health.html) Yoga is considered a form of exercise. Exercise helps to reduce a person’s risk of developing osteoporosis. It can prolong the onset of the condition, which can mean a person is physically able to maintain a normal standard of living for longer.

People Over 50 Are Especially at Risk for Osteoporosis

[michaeljung](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-114025423/stock-photo-healthy-middle-aged-woman-doing-fitness-stretching-outdoors.html)If a person doesn’t start doing yoga until they’re in their 40s or 50s, it’s already too late. People already develop osteoporosis by then. People who are over 50 tend to develop it, especially women due to their loss of estrogen as a result of menopause.

Osteoporosis Causes Fractures

[wavebreakmedia](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-181400006/stock-photo-fitness-group-doing-cobra-pose-in-row-at-the-yoga-class.html)Unfortunately, osteoporosis puts a person at risk for fractures. In fact, [80 percent](http://www.osteoporosis.ca/osteoporosis-and-you/osteoporosis-facts-and-statistics/) of all fractures in those who are 50 years old or over are caused by osteoporosis. Osteoporosis causes between 70 to 90 percent of hip fractures each year. Hip fractures cause people to be immobile and may require surgery. This costs a person’s insurance thousands. It’s important to remember the fact that the person is responsible for whatever isn’t covered by insurance.

Yoga Works Muscles

[fizkes](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-360224939/stock-photo-fitness-stretching-practice-group-of-two-attractive-happy-smiling-fit-mature-women-working-out-in.html)Yoga works a person’s muscles. Depending on the pose, it may work multiple muscles at one time. This helps prevent a person from falling when their muscles are more flexible and stronger. They’re able to walk for longer without experiencing muscle fatigue. Not to mention, when they do fall, the muscles don’t get as hurt as easily. Additionally, the muscles can endure more, which helps when doing other exercises or activities. Ultimately, this helps to prevent an injury related to osteoporosis.

Yoga Improves Coordination

[Andrey\_Popov](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-192002387/stock-photo-portrait-of-smiling-trainer-and-senior-customers-doing-yoga-at-gym.html)Yoga improves coordination. This is key if a person does develop osteoporosis. Because of the number of fractures caused by the disease, it’s best for people to maintain coordination to prevent injuries if they should happen to develop osteoporosis when they get older.

Yoga Improves Flexibility

[Noam\_Armonn](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-28539037/stock-photo-senior-woman-doing-bikram-hot-yoga-in-a-gym.html)Yoga improves a person’s flexibility when he or she stretches different muscles. Flexibility helps to prevent injuries as a person ages and has already developed osteoporosis. This also helps to keep a person active for longer.

Helps with Weight

[kurhan](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-91054019/stock-photo-senior-couple-doing-yoga-in-the-park.html)Excess weight puts a lot of stress on the body, especially the bones. Those who already have issues with bone density don’t need any excess weight on already brittle bones. Those who don’t have osteoporosis yet can maintain a healthy weight, which will help in the future if they do develop it.

Reduces Stress

[Pavel\_Marevych](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-205665010/stock-photo-elderly-woman-doing-yoga.html) Yoga has the potential to help reduce stress. It relaxes a person and gives him or her something to focus on. Studies have indicated that stress reduces bone mass. Obviously, people with osteoporosis have a decreased bone mass. Because of the link between the two, there may be a connection with the onset of osteoporosis and stress. Not to mention, if a person already has osteoporosis, his or her risk of even more bone loss is possible because of the stress. Stress, in particular short-term stress, releases chemicals into the blood, which have positive benefits and give the body a temporary boost. Long-term stress or just repetitive stress has the exact opposite effect; it harms the body.

A Low Resistance Way to Get Exercise

[ESB\_Essentials](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-389251765/stock-photo-two-mature-women-keeping-fit-by-doing-yoga-in-the-summer.html)Those who have osteoporosis can’t participate in high-intensity exercises,which limits the person on the time spent, as well as the types of exercises. Yoga is a low-impact exercise, so it doesn’t have a profound effect on bones and muscles. It’s ideal for those who have osteoporosis.

Yoga Builds and Tones Slowly

[sidarta](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-355930181/stock-photo-middle-aged-woman-doing-yoga-early-in-the-morning-in-a-park.html) Yoga has the potential to build and tone muscles slowly. This means people are able to still exercise without putting themselves at as much of a risk as many other exercises.

Can Do Without Equipment Or Traveling

[stefanolunardi](http://www.shutterstock.com/pic-70394530/stock-photo-mature-woman-doing-yoga-exercises.html)Some exercises require expensive equipment. Trips to the gym require a membership and paying for gas. However, yoga can be done anywhere and without any equipment.