Category Archives: Ask Susie Q & A

How to Exercise Safely with Bone Loss-Free NOF Webinar

How to Exercise Safely with Bone Loss-Free NOF Webinar

If you weren’t able to attend NOF’s live webinar, “How to Exercise Safely with Bone Loss” on Wednesday, here’s the link to the recording. March 7, 2018: Join NOF for our second online community webinar on Wednesday, March 7 at noon Eastern. NOF online community volunteer moderator, personal trainer and physical education instructor, Susie Hathaway… Continue Reading

Osteopenia, Torn Rotator Cuff, & Strength Training

Osteopenia, Torn Rotator Cuff, & Strength Training

A woman with a torn rotator cuff and Osteopenia recently wrote to ask what moves she should avoid when beginning my Safe Strength Training for Osteoporosis Prevention video. Here’s my reply with tips and personal shoulder stories. My Best Advice My very best advice would be to see a sports medicine doctor and get a referral… Continue Reading

Keeping Exercise Safe Over-Fifty and in Zumba Classes

Keeping Exercise Safe Over-Fifty and in Zumba Classes

Keeping exercise safe over-fifty, especially with osteoporosis or osteopenia (low bone density), can be a challenge. I often get questions about whether Zumba or other high intensity exercise classes are safe for my age group, the over-fifty crowd. Have Fun, Get Fit, But Do No Harm! When the whole class is having a blast moving… Continue Reading

11 Tips for Keeping Good Posture for Life

11 Tips for Keeping Good Posture for Life

Rewards of Good Posture— It’s a process, building and keeping good posture, but it’s worth the effort. You’ll feel better about yourself, you’ll breathe easier, your internal organs won’t be cramped, and your digestion will have enough space to function well. Slouching puts pressure on the front sides of your vertebrae, which are weaker than… Continue Reading

Osteoporosis Exercise Resources

Osteoporosis Exercise Resources

Exercise with bone loss is my area of focus as an ACSM certified personal trainer because many of my class participants and clients have osteoporosis or low bone density, commonly called osteopenia. As one of the four volunteer moderators on the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s online Support Community, I comment on questions regarding safer ways to exercise. If you’d… Continue Reading

Shorter Workouts for Strong Bones

Shorter Workouts for Strong Bones

Short on time? Do shorter workouts! Sound appealing? Short, more frequent workouts can be as effective as longer workouts for strong bones! I’m often asked, “Can I do shorter workouts if I don’t have time for a full strength training workout?” The answer is, yes! You don’t have to do the whole workout at once to get the… Continue Reading

Osteoporosis: Don’t Lift Heavy Objects, But Do Lift Heavy Weights?

Osteoporosis: Don’t Lift Heavy Objects, But Do Lift Heavy Weights?

“Why are people with osteoporosis advised not to lift heavy objects when it’s helpful to lift weights?”  Good question! There are many exercises you can do to strengthen your spine, hips, and wrist…the whole skeleton, actually, that don’t involve heavy weight lifting and work as well, without the risk of fracture. Body weight exercises in the right… Continue Reading

Exercising After a Fracture – See a Physical Therapist 1st!

Exercising After a Fracture – See a Physical Therapist 1st!

Question: Do your 10 Tips for Osteoporosis Prevention Exercise apply to someone who has already fractured or would you modify any of them? I received this question last week on the National Osteoporosis Foundation’s online Support Community where, as one of the four moderators, I comment on exercise questions. The query came from a woman… Continue Reading