Understanding Bone Health and Osteoporosis
Apr 30, 2021 09:31AM ● By Peggy Normandin
Bone is a living tissue which
continuously regenerates itself in a process known as remodeling. Bone
formation is greater than bone resolution (breakdown) during youth and
adolescence allowing us to build maximum bone density. Estrogen is one of the
major preservers of bone tissue, keeping our bone breakdown in check through
the middle years. Menopausal and post-menopausal women experience the loss of
bone tissue partially due to the loss of estrogen. This puts them at a greater
risk for osteoporosis.
Specific
activities like Pilates can improve bone density. Building strong bones is
possible, and fortunately, osteoporosis is preventable if measures are taken
early. These measures include diet, lifestyle and exercise. Exercise is often
recommended, but not in a specific manner. Pilates is great for building bones
if done correctly and the following components are incorporated: impact,
changes in direction and tempo, and force. Understanding what movements are not
good for people with osteoporosis is also imperative.
Skeletal alignment is important for bone strength,
as it improves force transmission through the bones. It also reduces the chance
of falling and of spinal fractures. Bones are regenerated and strengthened
through forces acting upon them during weight-bearing and impact activities, or
while doing resistance exercises. According to Karena Thek Lineback, author of OsteoPilates,
“Fifty percent of women and 12 percent of men will suffer an
osteoporosis-related break after reaching the age of 50.”
Peggy Normandin is owner of Body Dynamics Pilates
Studio, located at 1099 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, RI, where she teaches Pilates
for Strong Core & Strong Bones classes. For more information, visit BodyDynamicsRI.com.
