May is National Osteoporosis Month. This is one way the National Osteoporosis Foundation brings bone density that includes ways to protect our bones to our attention. Fifty-four million Americans have osteopenia or osteoporosis. Here is another fact you might find interesting. One in two women and approximately one in four men over the age of 50 will have a broken bone due to osteoporosis. Today I want to focus on a couple of things to avoid if you have osteoporosis. The first is forward flexion. In other words, instead of bending forward from the waist, bend at the hip instead. The toe touches that we all used to think necessary for stretching are out of reach for those with bone density issues. Twisting and bending the torso to an extreme is not such a good idea as well as most abdominal exercises including crunches. Several pilates exercises such as the roll up or rolling should be avoided. There are others, but just remember if this is what you are dealing with take care of your spine.
Resource: National Osteoporosis Foundation official website
