The two types of exercise that help strengthen bones are weight bearing and resistance training exercises.

Weight bearing exercises are those in which the bones and muscles work against gravity. Any exercise where the feet and legs bear the body’s weight while exercising is called a weight bearing exercise. Examples are walking, jogging, and climbing stairs, dancing, tennis, golf and soccer.

Resistance training exercises are those exercises that use resistance to strengthen the bone and muscles. Examples are weight-training exercises using machines, free weights or body weight.

When stress is built up in the body the muscles become tense, breathing becomes shallow and you may experience forms of physical discomfort, such as headaches or extreme fatigue. It makes sense, then, to relax the muscles and bring the body and mind back into a state of balance. The better way to relieve stress is to exercise.

Any physical activity, be it yoga, breathing techniques, stretching exercises, running or martial arts - can help release stress. Whether or not you are feeling stressed or low, exercise will rev up your mood and help you feel more positive. This is because exercise gets blood flowing to your brain and that can have the same effect as drugs prescribed for depression. Also, exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which are hormones that produce a sense of well-being.

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