Take control of your bone density, strength and balance.
Strong Bones for life, offers a highly effective, evidence-based musculoskeletal bone density strengthening program that can be used to complement pharmaceutical treatment and as a preventative protocol to increase your bone density strength and balance.
Until now there were few exercise-based non-pharmaceutical options that offered significant increases in bone density in a safe manner for even the most high-risk patients.
15 Minutes is all it takes.
Balance
Strength
Bone Health
Posture
Combat
Osteoporosis
Increase Your Bone Density and Muscle Strength
Osteoporosis is a “silent” disease because you typically do not have symptoms, and you may not even know you have the disease until you break a bone. As one of our patients you will receive personalized attention, immediate feedback and achieve tangible results in combating osteoporosis. Regular use of the Strong Bones system improves the structures of the body, the building blocks of movement and function for increased quality of life.
Osteoporosis
Posture
Balance
Bone Density
Diabetes
Muscles
Change Your Life With Easy Movements
Strong Bones is a safe and controlled approach offering the benefits of high impact activity without the risk of heavy lifting or jumping. Regular use of the Strong Bones system improves the structures of the body, the building blocks of movement and function for increased quality of life.
There are four main movements in using this machine. When completing the four movements in the Strong Bones Protocol you will be required to produce maximal force for 5 seconds. The force would be similar in nature to pushing or lifting an object of significant weight and size in four different directions: (1) forward using your hands; (2) forward using your feet; (3) upward using your knees and (4) upward using your arms and legs together.
After completing a Strong Bones session you may feel like you’ve completed physical work. You will feel warm from increased blood circulation and from work completed by the muscles. Within 24 hours you may feel muscular fatigue, but you are not likely to feel soreness. Since the movements only require five (5) seconds of maximal work, your body will not produce the by-products which cause muscle soreness. Users often comment on their improved mood and confidence as a result of their documented success.
The Experience
Initial Orientation
Produce Your Force
Measure Your Results
Improve your bone health
15 minutes is all it takes.
FAQ
There is evidence that bone mineral density can start to decrease by the time we are in our late 20’s. This is an ideal time to start to consciously maintain/build back bone density. By the time we reach 50, we most definitely need to take steps to prevent bone density loss. As long as you do not have any contraindications, you can join our Strong Bones tribe at any age!
While it is recommend to consult a physician or physiotherapist prior to starting any exercise program, all you need to do to start your Strong Bones journey is fill out the online patient intake form and we will take it from there!
We encourage you to talk to your physician about getting formal testing for osteoporosis. They will likely ask you specific questions about your diet and lifestyle, and may send you for a bone density (DEXA) scan. If you are curious about your risk factors, take Osteoporosis Canada’s self-assessment quiz here: https://osteoporosis.ca/risk/
Yes! We encourage a multi-factorial approach to bone care, including medication and other exercise. Please outline the stage/severity of your osteoporosis diagnosis on your initial intake form.
This depends on the stage of healing and site of fracture. Please provide a detailed account of your fracture history in the patient intake form and we will determine if you are a good candidate for the Strong Bones program.
Yes, you can wear any supportive device you may need, as long as they allow for the proper joint alignment required for the exercises. Please bring any braces or devices you may rely on to your initial intake appointment.
If you are able to transfer in and out of your wheelchair safely and independently onto a firm, flat seat, you will be able to complete the majority of the exercises offered in the resistance part of the Strong Bones program.
This depends on the reason you are using a gait aid. You will require a certain degree of mobility and balance to get on and off the machines. Our facility does have an elevator for your convenience – we invite you to come in for an initial visit to see if the program is right for you.
This depends on the stage and type of injury you are dealing with. Please fill out the intake form and be as detailed as possible about your injury and we will get in touch to discuss if you are a fit for the Strong Bones program.
Though Strong Bones is not currently covered under provincial health care, many benefit plans have a health and wellness program that may reimburse their members for using gyms and taking part in programs like Strong Bones. Please check with your specific insurance provider.
Absolutely! As long as you are comfortable talking about your health and exercising around your companion, feel free to bring a guest!
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What to Expect
What you need to know for your sessions
There are a few things you need to know prior to coming in for your first visit, which will help make the most of your Strong Bones experience.
Osteoporosis
Prevent low bone density
Osteoporosis is a serious global healthcare problem, third only to obesity and cardiovascular disease. It is a bone disease characterized by low bone mass and micro-deterioration of bone tissue leading to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures. 200 million people worldwide have this condition. Older individuals are at a greater risk for developing osteoporosis. 33% of women and 20% of men over 50 years of age will experience osteoporotic fractures. 24% of those who experience a hip fracture over 50 years of age will die within the first year after the fracture.
A medical diagnosis of osteoporosis or osteopenia is usually confirmed by a DEXA scan. The amount of bone density loss is reported to you as a T-score. A T-score of -1 to -2.4 indicates you are osteopenic which is the precursor to osteoporosis, while a T-score of -2.5 or below is considered osteoporotic. For some, the first indication of low bone density is a fracture. For others, it could be the results following a DEXA scan ordered by their physician. Numerous risk factors can increase the likelihood of a fracture. Some of these risk factors are within your control, some are not.
Read more on the science HERE
In addition to age, factors that increase the risk of osteoporosis may include:
Genetics
Low body weight (BMI)
Poor nutrition
Eating disorders
Low calcium intake
Vitamin D insufficiency
Lack of Menstruation in Women
Postmenopausal
History of cancer
History of alcohol use
History of tobacco use
Why Choose Strong Bones
Sessions Are Quick and Painless
Innovative Technology
Track Your Results
Those who are physically unable to participate in traditional forms of resistance exercise due to mobility issues, excessive weight or being unable to lift conventional weights, and those who are more comfortable in a clinical environment or small studio rather than a commercial fitness centre will benefit greatly from the Strong Bones protocols.
Exercise has a proven, positive effect on reducing glucose in the blood along with a multitude of other health benefits. Engaging in exercise has an insulin like consequence, regardless of how insulin resistant the person is, because the effect is from inside-out of the muscle cells. Yet, one of the biggest challenges in healthcare is to get people to exercise 40-60 minutes per day, 3 to 4 times per week. Strong Bones has the power to change all that, making it a great fit for those who are at risk of/being treated for Type 2 Diabetes.
A multi-center study has demonstrated significant changes in A1c levels can be obtained when subjects exercised just one day a week for 5 – 10 minutes with Strong Bones within 12 to 24 weeks. Read about it, and other studies, HERE.
The Science
Mortality increases 2.8 to 4 times during the first 3 months after a hip fracture. Thus, it is critical that measures are taken to prevent and treat osteoporosis.
Studies have shown that exercise reduces the risk of hip fracture in older women and decreases the overall incidence of fractures, despite the lack of Bone Mineral Density (BDM) changes. This may be explained by animal studies that show an increase in bone strength that far exceeds the changes seen in BMD. Therefore, activities in patients with osteoporosis should include muscle-strengthening and balance exercises to reduce fall risk.
Exercise plays a vital role in achieving optimal bone health in athletes. Exercise has a variable impact at different stages of life, and adolescence is a critical time during bone mass development.
Sports Health. 2017 Mar-Apr; 9(2): 108–117.
Published online 2016 Nov 30. doi: 10.1177/1941738116677732
PMCID: PMC5349390
PMID: 27821574
Bone Health in Athletes
The Role of Exercise, Nutrition, and Hormones
Marci A. Goolsby, MD*† and Nicole Boniquit, MD‡
