What are the benefits of yoga for osteoporosis?

Weight bearing and weight training exercises help build and maintain bone density. Standing and inverted yoga positions are weight-bearing as your body uses anti-gravity muscles to offset the pull of gravity. Yoga postures also use the resistance of your own body to develop muscle strength and endurance, causing a parallel hypertrophy (strengthening stimulus) to the bones. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you must avoid certain yoga positions which can cause damage to the weakened bones, especially the vertebrae of the spine. Avoid forward flexion, curving the spine forward in any position, such as a spinal roll-down or seated toe touches. Avoid twisting motions like spinal twists.  Back-bending positions, however, are advisable since they trigger the muscles that run the length of the spine to strengthen them.

Since yoga is a low-to-no-impact exercise, some of the gentler postures may benefit people with osteoporosis. Yoga may help lessen the pain associated with this condition. Certain poses that position part of the body's weight on the hands may also aid in retaining bone density in the upper extremities and spine.

You must take care, however, to avoid excessive pressure or range of motion, such as spinal extension. Each person's condition varies.