Book excerpt: An exercise program designed to be safe and beneficial for those with osteoporosis—and those trying to prevent it. Often, people think they’ve simply strained their backs or overdone it during exercise—but in reality, small fractures have occurred. In some cases, many tiny fractures can develop before a person sees a doctor about increasing back pain. The more tiny fractures that accumulate, the greater the deformity of the spine. Karena Thek Lineback’s goal is to make sure this does not happen to you. Her four-part plan consists of: Safe movement for exercise and everyday living Postural awareness Diet Medication In this book, you’ll find safe movement guidelines and an entire exercise program of Osteo Pilates designed to be safe for those with osteoporosis, to help you greatly reduce your risk of injury or debilitating fracture. You’ll also find the nuts and bolts of osteoporosis information necessary to combat this crippling condition. You’ll learn what causes osteoporosis (perhaps you have a habit that is decreasing your bone density right now!); the effect menopause has on bone density; what dietary habits will help improve bone density; and which medications are available for increasing bone density. There is much you can do to prevent osteoporosis and to decrease the negative effects low bone density can have on your life and well-being. Osteo Pilates tells you what to do, and how.