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We have all heard that exercise, whether it is walking, weight training, running, or doing aerobics, strengthens bones and helps to prevent osteoporosis, especially in women.  What is now being said is that women who run long distances without working their bodies as a whole run the risk of making their leg bones stronger while the bones in their upper bodies become weaker from a lack of proper training.  This BBC News article explains more about the recent findings and warnings on ignoring the upper body when training for running long distances.

When I was training for the Marine Corps Marathon a few months ago, I trained my entire body because I knew that upper body strength plays a huge role in helping the body maintain a proper form during long distance runs.  Although there were days when I would run only, I maintained a fairly regular regimen of upper body exercises such as push-ups and weight training.  It is easy to forget to train the upper body when training for a long distance run, especially when one is focused on making the legs stronger and preventing leg and ligament injuries.  Training the upper body not only contributes to good running form, it also helps to prevent bone loss.  Since women are especially vulnerable to developing osteoporosis later in life, it is extremely important for female runners to integrate upper body strength in their running routines.