Which type of exercise is recommended for a client newly diagnosed with osteoporosis?

Weight-bearing exercises are highly recommended for clients recently diagnosed with osteoporosis because these activities promote bone health and can help strengthen bones by improving bone density. When the body engages in weight-bearing activities, it exerts mechanical stress on the bones, which stimulates bone formation and helps to prevent further bone loss.

Common examples of weight-bearing exercises include walking, dancing, and certain resistance training exercises that involve lifting weights or working against gravity. These activities not only help to build bone mass but also enhance muscle strength, which can aid in reducing the risk of falls and fractures.

While stretching, stability and balance exercises, and cardiovascular exercises are beneficial for overall health and have their place in a well-rounded exercise regimen, they do not provide the same direct bone-strengthening benefits as weight-bearing exercises do. Stretching primarily enhances flexibility, stability and balance exercises focus on preventing falls, and cardiovascular activities strengthen the heart and lungs, but they do not significantly contribute to bone density improvement in individuals with osteoporosis.