Are you exercising for osteoporosis but unsure if your program is truly effective? Many people miss key components that make all the difference in preventing fractures and building strong bones.
In this episode, I dive into the essentials of a complete osteoporosis exercise program. As a physical therapist with over 40 years of experience, I’ve seen so many women doing “good exercises” but still missing critical pieces that protect their bones and reduce fracture risk.
I break down the five core components every osteoporosis program should include and share practical tips for making these exercises effective. I also talk about balance exercises and why improving balance is crucial for preventing falls, and I highlight posture techniques to protect the spine and enhance spinal stability.
Finally, I share resources, handouts, and videos you can access for free, so you can implement these exercises safely at home. Whether you’re walking, dancing, or doing resistance training, these tips will help you make your program complete and effective for bone strength and independence.
“Research has shown that the bones respond to the forces placed upon them. So when a muscle is contracting against resistance, it’s pulling on the bone and shaking the bone as if to say, hey, we need more bone here.“
~ Margie Bissinger
In this episode:
[01:19] – Five essentials for a bone-building program
[03:28] – Resistance training: proper weight, form, and frequency
[09:32] – Impact and weight-bearing exercises: why supervision helps
[11:49] – Balance training: static, dynamic, dual-tasking for fall prevention
[15:54] – Posture work: spinal alignment, seated posture, visual cues
[24:30] – Flexion vs. extension exercises
[27:10] – Movements to avoid
[34:55] – Aerobic exercise: benefits and limits for bone density
[35:25] – Core & pelvic floor: breathing and stabilization techniques
[39:08] – Happy Bones Club for workshops, Q&A, and more resources
Resources mentioned