Exercise for Better Bones: The Complete Guide to Safe and Effective Exercises for Osteoporosis

As the title suggests, this is a good book for learning about safe and effective exercises for osteoporosis. The author starts out by presenting background information about bones and osteoporosis and about avoiding fractures. She also discusses exercising safely and exercises to avoid. The material is presented well, and it is easy to understand. Throughout the book, illustrations are used very effectively.A wide variety of exercises are included in the major, important categories: The book includes posture-building, flexibility, and cardiovascular exercises. Strength and balance exercises are also included at four levels (beginner, active, athletic, and elite). Some of the exercises use specialized, reasonably inexpensive equipment (Physio-ball, free weights/dumbbells, non-slip mat, loop bands. Foam roller, TheraBand bands, stretching rope or strap) and others require no equipment. The exercises are not difficult. The information the author presents is evidence-based, and four pages of research references are included at the end of the book. This is a very informative book; you have to flip through the pages, and putting together your plan will require some work, but the effort should be worthwhile.

Check out her videos on diet on Youtube as well. She has videos on exercise as well.......Update: I have her book, and am having trouble downloading the exercise schedule for beginner. I'm referred to the website for additional info, but still can't get the 6 to 3 day workout clarified on the website. She doesn't specify how many reps per exercise in the book. It may be due to this is a book - not a consultation of exercise vs. osteoporosis.Still, I find it confusing. She does have a place where you can apply for consultation (probably paid). Also exercise videos also paid. But I took a look at them - and they were on Chromecast. I don't know how to use that. It may be this is a complicated topic, and Martin is trying to avoid a "one size" fits all approach. But she does have lots of videos on Youtube on exercise. I did sign up for the free email course. We'll see what happens after that.

You need a couple of hours to figure this book out, so set aside time. It works in combo with her website. Once you have it figured out, it's good! Although I do think some of her videos showing the actual exercise are lacking. Can't see the side she's working on, she doesn't describe everything you see on the video so you are left wondering...what it is that she's using or why is the client using pads/pillows? More detail would leave out the guesswork and potential of doing an exercise incorrectly.

I am grateful for this resource as I begin my journey to build stronger bones!

I've edited this to bump it from one star to three stars. This is because they did finally get back to me about the website and I was able to get it to work. However many of my original issues with the book still stand.I wish I'd paid more attention to the negative reviews.The book is overly complicated. It does not contain any guidance about how to lay out an exercise program and what exercises to do or how many reps to do them. The book tells you to go to her website to get that information, but the website does not work.The information on which exercises to do is based on your fracture risk, but there's nothing in the book for you to discover what your fracture risk is. Once again you're referred to a website that doesn't function properly.The book should contain all of the information that is needed to utilize the book. It shouldn't refer me to a website that is only usable to purchase expensive videos because I can't use the book I've already bought.Also, many of the exercises in this book are impossible for anybody to do that has knee problems, back problems, shoulder issues, difficulty getting down on the floor, or issues with their hands and wrists. And there is no alternative given to accommodate the very issues that many people that need these exercises would likely have.The book does contain some really good information and there are a lot of good exercises shown. But unless you're already knowledgeable about your fracture risk, which exercises are best, and how to set up an appropriate exercise routine -then this book is not going to be really useful. It does not have the information that you need if you're not already well versed in the ins and outs of physical therapy for bone health.

This book contains crucial info for all levels of osteoporosis AND fitness, with amazing modifications to individualize to you. It starts with how to be safe; and exercises you MUST AVOID, like crunches!! Posture is considered key to the spine and these exercises build with flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular ones. I worked with my PT (one with great knowledge of osteoporosis) for weeks on the exercises that I can do at my level: some at beginner, most at the active strength level and a few at the athletic. The hardest level is Elite. My therapist didn't prescribe many other exercises since these are the best for me. Buying the book allows you to get all the other free resources Margaret Martin offers online. A lot! I highly recommend this book as an essential guide to safe exercises as well as informing you about osteoporosis care in general. Kudos to the author/PT,CSCS.