In 2022, I managed to have a ‘little fall’ that resulted in me breaking both my wrists. This led to an unexpected diagnosis of osteoporosis in my mid 50s that sent me researching the subject of bone health.
I wanted to understand how and why our bones deteriorate as we get older, what that means for our long-term health – and, of course, what we can do about it!
One of my biggest realisations was that, despite its many other benefits, the slow yoga I’d been practicing and teaching for years wasn’t providing enough resistance and weight-bearing activity to create the strong bones I need to support my body into an active and vibrant old age.
Did you know that bone density starts decreasing gradually for everyone at around age 35? The dramatic drop in oestrogen levels that accompanies perimenopause and menopause accelerates this decline. In fact, some of us can lose as much as 20% of our bone density over this 5-10 year period!
What is bone density and why does it matter?
Bone density, also known as bone mineral density, refers to the measurement of mineral content, primarily calcium, in bone tissue. It’s the best indicator we currently have of bone strength and resistance to fractures (because bending bones until they snap to see how strong they are tends to be frowned upon!).
When we’re young, our body builds new bone faster than it breaks down old bone, so the density of those bones increases. Most people reach their peak bone mass around 30. After that, although we continue to build bone, it doesn’t keep pace with the breaking down of old bone tissue, so the density of our bones inevitably starts to decline.
So if, as I suspect was the case for me, your bone mineral density is already lower than optimum when the downturn starts, it can become a major problem.
A DXA (or DEXA) scan tests our bones at key points and compares their density with that of young, healthy adults. Some decline is considered normal, but once the difference reaches a certain point it is classified as osteoporosis. (Results falling between the ‘normal’ range and osteoporosis are classified as osteopenia, which is not a medical condition in itself but can be a useful wake up call.)
The long-term effects of osteoporosis can include:
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- Increased risk of fractures from even minor falls or accidents (as I know to my cost)
- Loss of height and the stooped posture known as ‘dowager’s hump’, the result of individual vertebrae in the spine collapsing
- Extensive fractures and vertebral collapses can lead to chronic pain and discomfort
- All of which can have a dramatic impact on our mobility and independence as we get older
- And in this context, ‘getting older’ starts in our 30s, 40s and 50s!
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It’s not all doom and gloom!
In the months following my own diagnosis of osteoporosis, I went on a journey of discovery. I read, watched and listened to everything I could find about bone health, the pros and cons of the various treatments available and what we can do ourselves to maintain and perhaps even improve the strength, flexibility and resilience of our skeletal structure in the decades to come.
So when I came across a movement-based process literally called Bones For Life® I knew I had to find out more!
What I wasn’t expecting was that in just 9 months it would have completely replaced yoga postures in both my personal practice and my business!
Want to find out more?
“The more your posture improves, the stronger your bones become.
When your movement is coordinated as nature meant, the very weight of your body itself spontaneously works to strengthen bone in the activities of daily life.”
Ruthy Alon, Founder of Bones for Life®
What is Bones for Life® and how can it help?
“What is needed for the eyes to develop sight? Light.
What is needed for the ears to develop hearing? Sounds.
What is needed for the bones to develop strength? Confrontation with gravity.
Human beings are able to stand upright due to the ability of the skeleton to support our weight … Dynamic movement is able to outsmart gravity.”
Dr Ruthy Alon (1930-2020), Founder of Bones for Life®
Bones For Life® offers a variety of ways in which we can optimise this dynamic confrontation with gravity. By combining optimal (not maximum) levels of pressure with rhythmic movements and good postural alignment we create the conditions needed to support bone building. The various processes in the programme can serve as a basis for every movement we make, from daily activities to exercise and performance.
When creating Bones for Life, Ruthy Alon drew on everything she’d learned from decades of practising and teaching the Feldenkrais Method of Awareness Through Movement, as well as incorporating the weight-bearing and resistance that are essential for building bone.
The result is a series of 90 individual movement practices, known as ‘processes’, that help you tune into to the ‘movement intelligence’ of your own body and create the rhythmic, dynamic movement that is necessary to build bone.
Over time, these processes can also help improve postural alignment, stability and balance and thus reduce the risk of falling – which is actually the single most effective way to avoid breaking a bone!
Oh, and did I mention that it’s fun too?!
Still not really sure what’s involved?
I get it. It’s hard to explain in words – and so much easier to show you!
And that’s exactly why I created this 4-week Introduction to Bones For Life® course, to give you an opportunity to experience Bones for Life for yourself with no long-term commitment!
- 4x 75-minute classes to introduce you to the basic principles and foundational practices of Bones For Life
- Join live on Zoom or via replay
- Supportive environment and community for feedback and questions
Round 1: 12th June – 9th July 2023. Live classes Tuesdays 10am BST **FULLY BOOKED**
Round 2: 17th June – 13th August 2023 – Live classes Wednesday lunchtimes (BST) **OPEN FOR BOOKING – 3 SPACES REMAINING**
Read on for more information about what the course includes.
Or to sign up now, hit the blue button!
Sharing the love!
I believe Bones For Life offers a fantastic way both to support optimum bone strength and to minimise our risk of falling, now and in the decades to come.
In fact I’m so convinced of its benefits that Bones For Life processes have effectively replaced yoga postures in my daily practice.
And I’m determined to give as many people as possible the opportunity to see if they find it equally helpful!
Classes take place live or on replay so you can join from anywhere in the world!
Your investment is a couple of hours of your time each week and £111. Read on to find out exactly what that will get you!
Or to sign up now, hit the blue button.
Introduction to Bones For Life®
A 4-week online course to introduce you to the basic concepts and foundational processes of Bones For Life.
Join live or on replay.
- Round 1: 12th June – 9th July 2023. Live classes Tuesdays 10am BST **FULLY BOOKED**
- Round 2: 17th June – 13th August 2023 – Live classes Wednesday lunchtimes (BST) **OPEN FOR BOOKING – 3 SPACES REMAINING**
I don’t know when – or if – I’ll be running this course again in this format, so if you want to learn the basics and see if Bones For Life is for you, don’t miss this opportunity!
Core course content
- 4x Live Classes: one 75-minute class each week, live on Zoom or via replay
- Relaxed, interactive sessions to introduce you to the basic principles and foundational practices of Bones For Life.
- Plenty of opportunities for questions and/or to share your experience of the processes.
- No special equipment required, although we may occasionally make use of some simple household props (full instructions provided).
- Access to replays: Giving you plenty of time to catch up, revisit and make notes on the processes you plan to incorporate into your life.
- Handouts: 4 x class handouts listing the processes covered, with space for your own notes.
- Facebook group: Private group for connection and support for the duration of the course.
- WhatsApp chat: additional connection and support forum
- Group check in call: Live ‘check in’ call on Zoom midway through the course
- Share your experience of the course so far, ask questions and share our ‘a-ha!’ moments and insights.
Outcomes
By the end of the course you will:
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- Appreciate why it’s never too early to get proactive about bone health
- Be familiar with core Bones For Life principles and processes
- Understand the power of these processes to enhance natural movement and tap into your own ‘movement intelligence’
- Have access to practical and enjoyable processes that you can use every day to help develop the postural integrity, flexibility and stability that support strong bones
- Experience a different way of being in your own body
PLUS… Bonus content!
Two MP3 audios, created by me specially for this course and based on two Bones For Life meditative processs.
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- Audio #1: Fragmented Breathing – A simple meditation based on a yogic pranayama (breath work) practice. Ground and centre yourself while helping improve the quality of your breathing.
- Audio #2: Red & Pink Visualisation: A deeply relaxing and healing meditation.
Investment
- A couple of hours each week (more if you choose!)
- £111 per person
Scroll on down to join the next Introduction to Bones For Life course and start taking control of your own bone health!
Why do people sign up?
“My mother had osteoporosis and broke several bones during her later years”
“My mother is the only one of 3 sisters who doesn’t have osteoporosis, so I’m keen to avoid it too”
“I have no particular reason for concern about my own bones but I’m aware of the issue in ‘ladies of a certain age’!”
“I’m 44 and want to stay as healthy as I can, for as long as I can!”
Sign up now and start integrating Bones For Life processes into your life.
Or join my Bones For Life Priority List to be the first to know about future dates and formats for the course.