Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It is a truly silent disease that develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a minor fall or sudden impact causes a bone fracture.
An estimated 3 million people in the UK suffer from osteoporosis – 1 in 3 women and 1 in 12 men over the age of 50.
1 in 2 women and 1 in 5 men in the UK will suffer an osteoporosis related fracture after the age of 50. Estimated cost of osteoporosis related fractures is UK £1.7 billion (US $3.3 billion) per annum (Cooper 2003).
If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and have been told to exercise, it can be difficult to know which type of exercise is suitable and safe for you to do. Not all forms of exercise stimulate bone growth – for example, swimming and cycling are great exercises but are not considered to be weight bearing.
The Pilates for Bone Health programme is specifically tailored for anyone within the following groups:
If you have been diagnosed with Osteopenia (precursor to osteoporosis)
If you have been diagnosed with Osteoporosis with a bone density reading within a certain range. Your DEXA scan report must be provided before you can join the programme.
The programme will help improve the following:
Body awareness; posture; joint mobility; overall muscle strength and flexibility; co-ordination; and most importantly – balance.
It is essential that medical clearance is given before you start the programme and, if you have no pilates experience, you will be required to take private sessions to learn the basic principles before joining the existing group.
The National Osteoporosis Society has a fantastic website with a huge amount of advice and information:
For further information regarding this programme please contact me – details can be found on the Contact page of this website.