Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
World-leading bone researcher Professor Belinda Beck explains why decades of "go gentle" advice for osteoporosis was not just wrong, but actively harmful.
In this week’s episode of the BETTER Podcast she breaks down how heavy lifting and impact training rebuild bone density at any age, why Pilates and walking alone won't cut it, and what women should be doing right now to protect their bones.
Belinda covers the full arc of bone health, from how peak bone mass is set in the teenage years, to what actually happens to bone when estrogen declines through perimenopause and menopause, to why so many popular "safe" exercises, including walking, cycling, and Pilates, simply don't provide enough stimulus to protect bone.
"By stopping women from doing heavy lifting, which is so vital and so effective, you're withholding effective treatment." — Prof. Belinda Beck
**P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:
Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. drstephanieestima.com/newsletter
Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. drstephanie.ca/lift
World-leading bone researcher Professor Belinda Beck explains why decades of "go gentle" advice for osteoporosis was not just wrong, but actively harmful.
In this week’s episode of the BETTER Podcast she breaks down how heavy lifting and impact training rebuild bone density at any age, why Pilates and walking alone won't cut it, and what women should be doing right now to protect their bones.
Belinda covers the full arc of bone health, from how peak bone mass is set in the teenage years, to what actually happens to bone when estrogen declines through perimenopause and menopause, to why so many popular "safe" exercises, including walking, cycling, and Pilates, simply don't provide enough stimulus to protect bone.
"By stopping women from doing heavy lifting, which is so vital and so effective, you're withholding effective treatment." — Prof. Belinda Beck
**P.S. When you're ready, here are two ways Dr. Stephanie can help you:
Subscribe: The Mini Pause — My weekly newsletter packed with the most actionable, evidence-based tools for women 40+ to thrive in midlife. drstephanieestima.com/newsletter
Build Muscle: LIFT — My progressive strength training program designed for women in midlife. Form-focused, joint-friendly, and built for real results. drstephanie.ca/lift
