(HealthDayNews) -- For prevention of osteoporosis (soft bones), here's some advice for women on which forms of exercise are the most helpful.
The European Journal of Radiology says the best sports seem to be those that call for lots of exertion for a short period of time, like tennis, sprinting or fencing.
Some forms of exercise that keep you active for a long time but at a relatively low level of exertion -- such as walking, swimming or cycling -- are good for your muscles and heart, but won't really help develop bone mass.
As for the heavy-duty stuff, like running a marathon, you should only consider that if you really enjoy it. The journal warns that endurance sports are more likely to cause problems than to prevent them.
