Looking after bone strength and balance is essential as you age. Hormonal changes of perimenopause/menopause, dietary habits and sedentary lifestyle increase your risk of losing more bone cells than you are making from about 40 onwards. Risk increases as you move through your 50s and onwards. You mightn’t even be aware of bone density loss; thus it is important to request a DEXA scan if you suspect you are in a risk category.
In terms of exercise, you need to keep walking lots, avoid forward flexion in general and work big time on balance, foot, leg and hip strength, along with core strength of course!
Check out the osteoporosis-safe series of three classes. As well as safe abdominal strengthening moves, these include lots of extension, along with standing moves with hand weights and directional change – all excellent for building bone and balance training.
