Getting the jump on bones [news]

When was the last time you hopped, skipped or jumped? If it was back in the last century you wouldn't be alone - these are the movements that often vanish from our lives when we leave childhood and school sports behind. Yet they're also the kind of high impact activities that grown up bones really thrive on - and they do a better job of boosting bone density than walking, according to exercise physiologist Dr Belinda Beck. "Walking is great for your heart and blood vessels, but it's not brilliant for bone - unless you add some jumps into your walk. Even if you're running it's best to add jumps along the way for better bone density," says Beck, an associate professor with the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at Griffith University.