Episode 39: The Importance of Exercise for Bone Health, and How to Get Back Into a Routine if You’ve Lost All Motivation

We all know that exercise is an important part of healthy living. It’s key in maintaining bone health too. Sometimes knowing is not enough. We have good intentions but can let regular exercise slide off the radar.

On this episode of Bone Talk, BHOF CEO Claire Gill talks with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, a nationally recognized advocate for positive living, about how to get back on track with an exercise program. Barbara is also the author of several award winning books and is the Team Captain of the BHOF “Be Bone Strong” Team.

You’ll relate to her personal story. Like many of us, she had a busy active life but wasn’t always taking care of herself in the best way possible. She wasn’t exercising regularly, eating well, or getting enough sleep. Her daughter challenged her to run a marathon!

Barbara said yes to the challenge.

She began walking, then running. A year later, she was able to run in the NYC marathon! She’s now training for number 15 with the Be Bone Strong team.

Why does exercise help our bone health?

Our bones are living tissue. They are the strongest when we are young adults and into our early 30’s when bone loss slowly begins. Women see more bone loss after menopause. Barbara wants everyone to know that there are a lot of things you can do to prevent bone loss. Part of aging better is understanding how to take care of our bones and the muscles around them.

Half of all women over the age of 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Hear how to prevent being part of this statistic. The good news: what’s good for your bones is good for the rest of you too! Weight-bearing and strengthening exercises are best for promoting bone health.

Walking, running, dancing, jumping are all things we can do anywhere, anytime. Resistance training is the second pillar that will give you a full body workout. You can use weights, or like Barbara, use your body and do things like squats, planks, and pushups.

The third pillar is balance. We don’t often think of this but it helps prevent falls, which lead to fractures. Barbara shares 3 ways you can practice balance while doing everyday activities.

Talk to your doctor.

Your physician can help you create a plan that works for you, based on your body and overall health. Reassess every few years to make sure it’s still working for you

BHOF Be Bone Strong Team

The Be Bone Strong Team is raising awareness and funds for the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. Everyone is welcome!

It’s never too late.

All of us can start where we are. If you haven’t been active, be sure to get the okay from your doctor. Barbara shares her tips for moving your body, even when you don’t feel like it. You’ll see how easy it can be when you decide to make this part of your every-day.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

• Join the Be Bone Strong Team

• Exercise Videos

• Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation Resources