8 Common Running Myths, Busted!

Myth: Running is Enough to Prevent Osteoporosis

The Truth: While running is an excellent way to load the spine and the hips, low bone mass can occur at other joints, Olson says. Since running only loads the lower body, the best way to prevent osteoporosis with exercise is to train your entire body with a variety of exercises. "Lifting weights or doing yoga and pilates can also help to improve your balance. Taking a fall from poor balance is, in fact, the leading cause of hip fractures. So even if you have low bone density in your hips or spine, if you have good balance and are not likely to fall, you definitely decrease your risk of an osteoporosis-related fracture."