New study says gymnastics may fight osteoporosis in girls

As reported by Madison’s Channel 27 (and thanks to Jackie Cooper and daughter Paige (Level 4 team for bringing it to my attention).

WASHINGTON (WKOW) — A new study says young girls involved in long-term gymnastics training may be at less risk for osteoporosis when they get older.

Across the United States, millions of young girls train and compete every day in gymnastics programs at school and in private clubs. Now, a study conducted in Greece says such programs may actually help adolescent girls avoid problems like osteoporosis as they age.

Researchers studied the effects of rigorous, rhythmic gymnastics training on a group of 49 girls between the ages of nine and thirteen.

They found girls who actively trained in gymnastics for at least two years showed a marked improvement in bone density, bone mineral content, and the thickness in the outer shell of the bone. In other words, their bones were healthier.

Girls who only got gymnastics training in school physical education programs did not show such improvement. Experts say the long-term benefits of intensive exercise on bone development is still unclear but this first-of-its-kind study has now quantitatively measured at least some improvement.

While parents still have to guard against the aches and pains, bumps and bruises of their daughter’s gymnastic training, in the long run they may actually be giving them a “leg up” in the aging process.

Gymfinity not only offers gymnastics but also has  Motion Evolution Fitness, and Tumble and Trampoline for girls (and boys). We have always had a program that strives to provide a total picture of health and physicality for children. From the cognitive, social and physical training Gymfinity provides to being the area’s only children’s sports program that infuses character education into lesson. Our Character program is guided and operated in conjunction with CharacterCounts! and the Josephson Institute for Ethics (CA); Gymfinity is the leader in sports facilities for children in Dane county.

Leave a Comment