You’ve probably heard lots of contradictory advice about osteoporosis risks and treatments, particularly when it comes to exercise. The good news is you can practice Pilates if you’ve been diagnosed with the condition (or its precursor osteopenia), but you need to ensure the exercises you do are modified to protect against fracture. With the right modification, Pilates can be a fantastic bone-strengthening activity to add into your treatment.

Your risk of developing osteoporosis varies depending on a number of different factors, some unavoidable, but many you can manage with small lifestyle changes.

Non-Modifiable Risk Factors

Gender (women are at a higher risk)
Age (risk increases as we age)
Ethnicity (Caucasian and Asian women)
Family History
Frame (small frame/low body weight increases risk)

Modifiable Risk Factors

Smoking
Alcohol Intake
Excessive caffeine
Low body weight
Prior history of broken bones
Lack of vitamin D
Lack of exercise
Poor diet
Certain diseases such as Rheumatoid arthritis
Certain medications such as long term steroid use