Personal trainers who are working with clients over the age of 50, should learn about the prevention, treatment and management of osteoporosis through exercise. If you have a client with osteoporosis or osteopenia you should understand how to teach them to exercise properly and safely in order to decrease the risk the progression of this disease. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, 1 out of 2 women and 1 out of 4 men over 50 will have a wrist, hip, or spine fracture due to osteoporosis. Effective and safe exercise can improve quality of life, overall health, and keep osteoporosis under control.
Osteoporosis means porous bone and is a disease that weakens the bones. It is a serious health issue with 44 million people at risk for this debilitating disease. Bone density decreases and the bones become fragile and break easily. Although it can cause a break in any bone, the most common sites for breaks are the hips, spine and wrist. A broken hip or spine usually requires a hospital stay or surgery so they are of particular concern. It can lead to permanent pain, disability, or death.