Use It Or Lose It

Vivian Goldschmidt, MA Exercise

Evidence-Based
3 min Read
osteoporosis exercises

Who would have thought that the day would come when mainstream science recognizes that bone loss doesn’t just happen and is not inevitable? That lifestyle habits matter, and that what we don’t do can have as big an effect on our bone health as what we do for it.

A study conducted by Italian scientists partnering with the European Space Agency has shown that a lack of resistance, such as gravity, activates osteoclasts – bone-destroying cells.1

Osteoclasts have a very important mission: to make room for new and more resilient bone to be deposed in place of the old bone they destroy. This is the first step of bone remodeling, known as resorption, which is critical to the maintenance of healthy bones.

Bone Cells Have a Unique Sensory System

In a nutshell, the study gets to the crux of why astronauts and those who are immobile for lengthy periods lose bone density at a startling pace. And for the first time ever, researchers have evidence of the osteoclast’s capability of “sensing” mechanical forces and response to reduced load. 1

So what does this all mean to you? It means that if you want strong and healthy bones you need to exercise regularly to build their density.

As Dr. Gerald Weissman of The FASEB Journal explains, “ … bone loss is an example of ‘use it or lose it.’ This study from space has pinpointed cellular culprits that destroy our bones when we don’t use them to support weight.” 2

Indeed, in the Osteoporosis Reversal Program, I explain that

“Bone growth is stimulated by an applied force, and therefore, increasing muscular stress can increase bone tissue.”

3 Tips to Keep You Moving

1. You can use my workday exercise tricks to ensure you don't sit for extend periods of time.

2. Park your car far away from the store entrance and you'll be forced to walk. I do this myself and while it takes some discipline, eventually it'll become second nature. Hint: make sure to wear comfortable shoes while running errands and ditch the high heels.

3. Forget the elevator. Use the stairs. You'll even feel better once you reach your destination.

And while walking and other weight-bearing activities have known benefits, if you are serious about your bone health…

The Right Exercise Program is Crucial

In light of all this, I’m putting the finishing touches on an exercise program that's designed to increase your bone density fast.

I've been working on the program together with an illustrator for the past three months and will have more updates for you shortly. In the meantime, look out for videos where I'll show you some of these easy and super-effective exercises. I really think this will become the new way to work out for your bones so I'm really excited about it.

Talk to you soon,

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References

1 Tamma R, et al. Microgravity during spaceflight directly affects in vitro osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. The FASEB Journal. vol. 23 no. 8 2549-2554. 2009.
2 https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330091702.htm