
3 Must-Do Functional Exercises for Osteoporosis With Susan Servetnick and Margie Bissinger
From Happy Bones, Happy Life by Margie Bissinger
April 28, 2026 · 54 min · Season 1 · Episode 351
About this episode
Margie Bissinger and Susan Servetnick discuss essential functional exercises for women with osteoporosis to maintain strength and independence as they age.
Staying strong and independent can be a challenge as we age. Today, I'm excited to have Susan Servetnick, a physical therapist and osteoporosis specialist, talk about the importance of functional exercises for women with osteoporosis. Susan shares three must-do exercises that can help you stay independent, strong, and fracture-free, no matter your age. The first exercise we cover is the hip hinge squat, which teaches you how to get out of a chair properly, activating your core, glutes, and legs without straining your back. Next, we dive into the step-back lunge, which helps you build leg strength and prepare for life's functional movements. Finally, we talk about the push-up–yes, push-ups! These strengthen your upper body and help build bone density, especially in the wrist. Susan explains how to progress safely through each exercise and make them work for you to help you build strength and confidence, ensuring you stay active and independent as you age. "While balance training and exercise won't necessarily prevent you from losing your balance, the goal is to improve your ability to regain control after you do. What we're really training is the body's reflexes–teaching yourself…
People in this episode
Host: Margie Bissinger
Guest: Susan Servetnick
Topics covered
- osteoporosis
- functional exercises
- aging
- strength training
- independence
Keywords
- osteoporosis
- functional exercises
- hip hinge squat
- step-back lunge
- push-up
- strength
- independence
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Happy Bones, Happy Life
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