There’s More to Bone Health Than Strong Bones

We have a lot of women coming to us in their 50s, 60s and beyond who are thinking about their bone health. And often, there’s a reason.

They watched their mom or grandmother fall and break a hip, pelvis or vertebra. They watched someone who had been independent suddenly need surgery, hospitalization and rehab. Sometimes they never fully regained the independence they had before that fall.

And it’s scary.

Strong bones are part of the story

Most of us have heard by now that strength and resistance training are important for our bones. And they absolutely are.

Bones respond to mechanical loading. Muscle pulling on bone, resistance training, impact when appropriate, and progressively challenging the body all provide signals that help maintain strong bones.

But that is only part of the story. We also need the raw materials to support bone and muscle—enough protein, calcium, vitamin D and enough overall nutrition.

What caused the fall in the first place?

Can your body recover when you lose your balance? Can you react quickly when you trip? Can you step in another direction without freezing? Can your feet, hips, trunk and arms coordinate quickly enough to catch you?

That’s why training for healthy aging shouldn’t only be about lifting weights.

We train balance. Coordination. Reaction. Changes of direction. Mobility. Power. And, when appropriate, jumping and other impact activities.

Exercise choices need to reflect your bone density, fracture history, and medical guidance. Impact activities are not appropriate for everyone with osteoporosis.

We use complex movements that require the brain and body to work together. Because the goal isn’t simply to build stronger bones so they can better survive a fall.

We want to build a body that is better at preventing the fall in the first place.

A body that can react to the unexpected. A body with the mobility to move, the strength to catch itself, the power to respond quickly, and the balance and coordination to recover.

Strengthen the bones. But also train the person carrying them. ❤️

If you’re worried about your bone health or you’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, let’s talk about a plan that fits your needs.

Contact Premier Fitness Solutions

Further reading: Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation: exercise for strong bones.