Want to help reduce your daughter’s risk of osteoporosis in her later years? Enroll her in gymnastics.

Various studies and medical experts are now touting the benefits of gymnastics (and other sports) for building strong bones.

According to an Action Medical Research article,

Interestingly, whilst the calcium supplements had a beneficial effect on the bones of the school children there were no benefits in giving calcium supplements to the gymnasts.

The researchers believe this is because the gymnasts have already maximised their bone density potential with regular exercise.

That particular article also reiterates the importance of eating a healthy, well balanced diet, and removing carbonated drinks from kids’ daily diets.

Thanks to the Gymnast.com translation, another study concluded that female college artistic gymnasts maintained significantly higher aBMD (areal bone mineral density) than controls 24 years after retirement from gymnastics training and competition. They were at much less risk of Osteoporosis than their non-gymnast friends.

To find a gymnastics program in your area, visit USA Gymnastics’ club finder.