Building Strong Bones: How Strength Training and Yoga Can Help Manage Osteoporosis
Sarah Avery is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, PYT, RYT200, a Certified Professional Yoga Therapist and a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher. She specializes in working with osteoporosis clients in her clinical practice.
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, especially older adults. It causes bones to become weak and brittle, making them more prone to fractures and breaks.
One of the most effective ways to build bone mass is through strength training. Studies have shown that loading bones can help increase bone density and reduce the risk of fractures in people with osteoporosis. However, many people are hesitant to engage in strength training due to concerns about safety, access to equipment, and uncertainty about where to begin.
That’s why we developed our Training and Yoga for OsteoVitality Program in Saratoga Springs, NY. This in-person program is led by knowledgeable, osteoporosis-informed coaches who specialize in strength training. The program also includes yoga and balance exercises to provide a well-rounded approach to increasing bone density while supporting long-term well-being, function, and independence.
The program offers a safe and supportive environment for people living with osteoporosis, as well as those at risk of developing it, to engage in resistance and strength training with professional guidance.
Here are just a few of the many benefits of the program:
Increased bone density: Strength training has been shown to increase bone density. By participating in the program, clients can improve and maintain their bone health and reduce the risk of future injury.
Improved balance and stability: The program includes exercises designed to improve balance and stability, helping reduce the risk of falls and related injuries.
Professional guidance: Clients work with knowledgeable coaches who specialize in strength training for people with osteoporosis, helping ensure exercises are safe and effective.
Personalized support: Coaches can make modifications based on each client’s needs, existing health conditions, injuries, and comfort level.
Community support: Participants train alongside others who are also working to improve their bone health, creating an encouraging and supportive environment.
It’s not uncommon for patients with osteoporosis to have concerns about potential side effects associated with medications. While osteoporosis-related medications may be a suitable treatment option for some patients, strength training can also be beneficial, whether on its own or in combination with medication.
Strength training should always be done under the supervision of an osteoporosis-informed coach. In addition to helping ensure the program is safe and appropriate, a coach can make modifications for clients with existing health conditions or injuries.
If you or a loved one is living with osteoporosis, strength training can be an effective complementary approach for building bone mass and reducing the risk of fractures.
Together, we can work to improve your bone health and help you live a healthy, active life. To learn more about the OsteoVitality Program, visit our website to read program details and testimonials from participants.
Image: Sarah Avery, DPT, PYT, RYT200, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, a Certified Professional Yoga Therapist and a 200-hour Yoga Alliance Certified Teacher:
Balancing exercise for increased stability
Simple resistance -training exercise using a looped mini-band for arm strength