Supporting bone health

Bone health becomes particularly important around menopause because declining oestrogen levels are associated with accelerated bone loss.

Research into exercise and postmenopausal bone health suggests that exercise can play an important role, particularly when resistance and weight-bearing activity are included. A large meta-analysis of resistance exercise in postmenopausal women found positive effects on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, femoral neck and total hip. (Springer)

Research specifically into Pilates is more limited, so it’s important not to overstate the evidence.

A systematic review and meta-analysis looking specifically at Pilates and bone mineral density concluded that the evidence available was limited and did not establish a clear overall improvement in bone mineral density from Pilates alone. (PubMed)

For that reason, Reformer Pilates can form part of an active lifestyle for bone health, but women at risk of osteoporosis should not assume Pilates alone replaces other recommended resistance or weight-bearing exercise.