Women are more prone to injuries especially in their 40s. There is strong reason behind it. The women start losing their bone mass, muscle mass and that in turn reduces the bone density which makes it fragile. So, the experts say that only way to combat that is to stay fitter and stronger which can be achieved by exercise.

Experts have warned women in their 40s to do more strength training if they are to avoid more serious health problems later in life.From bone disease to heart disease, strength or weight training has been proven to counteract many of the biological changes women go through as they get older.

Ms Schacht said body fat and visceral fat [around the organs] increases by the time women reach menopause, which increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and cancer. “It also helps to prevent diabetes, lowers cholesterol levels and high blood pressure, decreases the risk of osteoporosis, arthritis, depression, increases pain resistance, improves oxygen supply to cells, which has anti-ageing benefits, and helps prevent dementia, reduces stress and boosts the immune system.”
Ms Schacht says it can also help to maintain healthy tendons, ligaments and joints. “You will stimulate and activate your brain, which stimulates the nervous system and increases the balance and coordination, which as you get older can help prevent you from falling and getting a fracture.”

Squats, pushing and pressing movements, pulling movements and lunges are all important for the body to build muscle and bone strength. Resistance training also builds up the nervous system, unlike purely cardio exercise, such as running, which does not challenge the nervous system.

“Even everyday tasks such as carrying the kids, shopping, opening doors, require these kinds of movements, which is why this kind of training is so important.”Dr Humeira Badsha, a founding member of Emirates Arthritis Foundation, recommends weight training for women, especially as theyage, to prevent osteoporosis and to strengthen joints are quality exercise.

According to Dr Badsha, women of certain nationalities and cultures tend to spend very little time exposing their skind to sunlight and as a result suffer higher rates of vitamin D deficiency and bone disease. Several pregnancies and diets poor in calcium may also be more prevalent among some nationalities, she said. Bone disease was becoming increasingly prevalent in the UAE, she said.

Raising awareness is vital to prevent the debilitating condition. “Prevention is better than treatment, and prevention should start in childhood,” said Dr Badsha.Dr Shereen Habib, a specialist in women’s health, said for older women “bone density is usually our main concern and exercise, especially with resistance or weights, helps prevent osteoporosis”.

It is very important for the women to increase the bone density to stay stronger. Exercise is the best practice to combat that and disease like Osteoporosis can be fought with it.

The National