Frequently asked questions

Yes. There is no introductory or starting class you need to take first. Instructions are given in every class as though everyone is new, so you can begin whenever you're ready. The monthly membership doesn't have to start on the 1st, either — your month begins the day you join and renews on that date each month.

One hour. After live classes there is an optional 20–30 minute “ask the therapist” Q&A, which you're welcome to stay for — bring your questions, or ask Joanne to look at how you're doing an exercise.

You'll get access to your member area immediately. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, sign in and click through to the live class. Recordings of past classes are in the same place.

Every class is recorded. Recordings are posted the same day, and you can watch them as many times as you like while your access is active.

The only difference is that you miss the live Q&A. Questions are always welcome by email, so nothing is lost by working through the recording on your own schedule.

A low-cost way to sample the program: one previously recorded class, the most recent one taught. You can buy it any day of the week, and it's yours to watch any time on the coming Saturday, Eastern Time. Bought on a Saturday, it's ready to watch right away.

The program is entirely evidence-based and designed to be appropriate for people with osteoporosis or osteopenia. That said, listen to your body and modify as needed, and discuss any concerns with your doctor.

The class is open to women and men of all ages. The focus is posture, balance, strength, and flexibility — all things that benefit nearly everyone.

Yes — and this is important. Avoiding activity because of a fear of falling tends to weaken muscles and bones further, which increases fall risk over time. It is the opposite of what you want. The first twenty minutes or so of class is standing work with balance challenges; hold on to something sturdy whenever you need to, and modifications are always offered.

Talk it over with your doctor, and consider working with a local physical therapist who can assess you in person.

Start with a local physical therapist who can work with you directly. Get in touch with Joanne as well and she can offer suggestions.

Handheld dumbbells for most classes, a non-elastic stretching strap used every other week, and resistance bands used roughly every third class. Ankle weights are optional but recommended. A foam roller (36" long, up to 6" in diameter) is optional and used on resistance-band days — a pool noodle or a rolled towel substitutes fine.

Twice a week is good, three times a week is ideal. Try to avoid exercising on consecutive days.

Start low — around 2 lb is a fine place to begin — and progress gradually. What matters is that you don't stay at very light weights indefinitely.

When ten repetitions of an exercise starts to feel easy, it's time to move up.

Clicking without pain is common and usually manageable. Try reducing your range of motion, changing the angle, or using a lighter weight. If it becomes painful or persistent, check in with your healthcare provider.

This is a genuinely controversial subject, and no one should promise you a result. What Joanne can say is that several students — and Joanne herself — have reported measurable bone density improvement after a year or more of the Strong Bones program as their sole intervention. Consistency is the key.