Does Square Dancing Strengthen Bones? | Bone Health & Exercise

Question
My wife and I square dance.  See http://www.squaredrhubarb.com/index.htm for a video.  We have been told that "It keeps you healthy - As with all regular exercise square dancing can lead to a slower heart rate, lower blood pressure and improved cholesterol profile. The movements of many square dances can strengthen your weight-bearing bones and can help prevent or slow down loss of bone mass (osteoporosis)."

Since we only walk about, is the comment about bones correct?

Answer
Alan,

Dancing or walking about is considered an aerobic type of exercise and while that is great for the cardio-respiratory system, it probably has little or no impact on bone density.  For arresting or correcting of osteoporosis or bone density loss, rather intense weight bearing or resistance exercise is required.  So swimmers and runners and cyclist and in your case dancers all help the cardio systems.  Those that lift weights and stress their muscles and bones in that fashion will halt or reverse bone mineral density loss.

JP Saleeby, MD
www.saleeby.net