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Exercise is one of the best ways to keep the body healthy and support overall wellbeing. Although it is often linked to weight loss or muscle building, exercise also plays an important role in strengthening bones and helping the body’s organs work properly.

Bones are living tissues that become stronger when they are used regularly. Weight-bearing activities such as walking, jogging, dancing, hiking and strength training encourage the body to build new bone tissue. This improves bone density, making bones stronger and less likely to fracture. Exercise is particularly important as we age. Research indicates that South Africa could see hip fractures increase from approximately 11 000 cases annually to more than 26 000 cases per year by 2050 as the population ages. Maintaining bone health through regular physical activity can help reduce this risk.

Exercise is especially important for children and teenagers as their bones grow, and for older adults because it can slow bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
Regular activity also improves balance, flexibility and coordination, which lowers the risk of falls. Strong muscles support the bones and joints, making everyday movement easier and safer.
Exercise benefits the organs as well. It strengthens the heart, improves circulation and helps deliver oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. It can also lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

The lungs also become more efficient with regular exercise. As breathing becomes deeper and faster during activity, the lungs take in more oxygen and remove carbon dioxide more effectively. Over time, this can improve endurance and make daily activities feel less tiring.

Exercise supports brain health by increasing blood flow to the brain. This helps with memory, concentration and learning, and may reduce the risk of anxiety, depression and age-related cognitive decline.

Other organs benefit too. Exercise helps the body use insulin more effectively, supporting healthy blood sugar levels and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes. It also supports digestion, regular bowel movements and liver health by helping the body maintain a healthy weight and limiting excess fat build-up.
Experts recommend at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week, plus muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. Brisk walking, cycling, swimming and sports are good examples.

In short, regular exercise keeps bones strong, supports important organs and improves physical and mental health. Making activity part of daily life can help people live longer, healthier and more active lives.

References: 
National Osteoporosis Foundation South Africa
Number of hip fractures in South Africa is on course to more than double over coming decades, study finds - NOFSA[IC1.1]
World Health Organization. Physical Activity South Africa Country Profile (2022). 

Mlangeni L et al. Factors Associated with Physical Activity in South Africa (2018). 

Hawley S et al. Incidence and number of fragility fractures of the hip in South Africa (2022). 

South African National Strategic Plan for the Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (2022–2027).