Osteoporosis: Gym Machines to Avoid

Many women are diagnosed with osteoporosis, which is basically loss of bone density.  With "weak bones," there are a few movements and machines that you should avoid using in the gym, because they place excessive strain on certain bones of the body.  First, the seated hip abductor machine may apply too much stress on the hips/femurs.  This may actually create femur or hip fractures, resulting in a total hip replacement.  The crunch machine as well as the seated trunk extension machine may cause spinal fractures due to vertebral shearing anterior/posterior upon muscle contraction.  Lastly, the seated row machine, especially without chest support may cause compression/spinal fractures.  So if you are working with a client with the diagnosis of Osteoporosis, beware of these machines.  Use your imagination and find other ways to work these hip and trunk muscles.