🎉Bone Density Scan Victory! 🎉

I can hardly contain my excitement—I want to shout this from the rooftops!

At 67 years old, I just received my new DEXA scan results (the test that measures bone density), and the news is nothing short of incredible:

📈 My spine bone density has increased by 17% over the past 5 years—enough to move me completely out of the osteopenia range and back into normal bone density!

💪 My hip bone density held steady at -1.1. That’s a victory too, because after menopause, women typically lose 1–2% of their bone density per year. Holding steady means I’ve beaten the odds and protected my bone health. Note that this was all done without medication. (I was not prescribed meds as my numbers didn’t cross into osteoporosis)

Also, this was measured on the exact same machine as five years ago, so the results are truly apples-to-apples.

What was different?

This made me pause and reflect: What did I do differently in the last five years?

Looking back, two big turning points stand out.

First, I joined a clinical trial aimed at preventing cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s runs in my family). Part of my trial regimen included adding strength training with weights and HIIT – High Intensity Interval Training. I figured, something good for my brain and body, I’m in!

Second, COVID arrived, and like many of us, I had to pivot. Overnight, I shifted from hands-on teaching in my studio to guiding people online over Zoom.

Suddenly , I wasn’t just coaching, providing verbal and tactile cues; I was doing the classes with my students. That meant my own workouts became the very classes I was teaching: about 2.5 hours a week of consistent, bone and muscle-focused training. (I don’t count my restorative or roller classes here—they’re self-care, still important, but they’re not bone-building.)

And here’s the kicker: I think many people imagine that Pilates teachers are “working out all day long, so sure, their bones will get stronger.”

The truth? Outside of Zoom, most of my time is spent creating programs, designing Bursts, editing and publishing videos for my on-demand library, running my business, and doing a lot of admin work.

My actual workouts are the ones I teach live over Zoom, and that bone-building focus and consistency is what has made all the difference here.

What else did I do or not do?

I took a Calcium supplement, just 333 mg a day, as insurance, in case I didn’t get my full 1200 mg through my diet.

As part of the clinical trial for cognitive decline, I was put on bio-identical hormone therapy and am still on that. It helps the brain and bones. And yes, I’m getting regular breast mammograms and ultrasounds to monitor my health.

I did not use a weighted vest or a vibration platform.

I invested in better technology, lights, camera, moved to Vimeo for my library to deliver the highest quality classes over Zoom.

I promise—I wasn’t sneaking off at midnight to do some top-secret bone-building workout. Everything I did to strengthen my bones, I did right alongside YOU, my BoneSmarties, in our virtual classes!

So what have I learned?

✨ What’s good for the brain is also good for the muscles and bones.
✨ Consistency matters more than perfection.
✨ Steady, focused research-based effort over time can yield remarkable results.

✨ Virtual and On-Demand classes have been a game-changer—whether it’s juggling a busy schedule or joining from another time zone, they just fit people’s lives better. That’s why they’re here to stay.

My DEXA scan is living proof that bone-safe, bone-building movement works. Your bones are living tissue, always responding to the signals you send. With the right kind of safe, targeted exercise, you can strengthen them, protect yourself from fractures, and feel more confident in your body, at any age.

My Mission

💗 Through BoneSmart Pilates® classes and my On-Demand Movement Library, my mission is to empower people with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or anyone who simply wants to age strong, to move with confidence while protecting and strengthening their bones. 

Linda B., a BoneSmart On-Demand Movement Library member, shares, “My last DXA showed my bones have improved, and I am back into the osteopenia range again. I attribute it all to the bone-building exercises you teach.” 🥰

And from my primary care physician in response to my bone density results, “Continue your excellent exercise regimen!”

If you’ve ever been told that “bone loss is inevitable,” I’m here to tell you that’s not the full story.

✨ You can make a difference in your bone health at any age.
✨ You can protect yourself from fractures.
✨ You can feel stronger, steadier, and more confident in your body.

Here’s to Aging Strong—inside and out! 💗💪

👉 If you’re ready to take simple, safe, and effective steps for stronger bones, I’d love to support you. Explore my On-Demand Movement Library, pop into a live Zoom class, explore my BoneSmart Bursts, or jump into our upcoming Strong for Longer fall hybrid series, where you can join in person or over Zoom.

No matter how you participate, you’ll discover that it’s never too late to build strength, resilience, and confidence together.