Osteoporosis & Bone Health Exercise Program in Newcastle – STRONG Bones at Transcend Health

Evidence-based Exercise for Osteoporosis

Welcome to STRONG Bones at Transcend Health

Preferentially referred by local Newcastle GPs and listed on HNECC PHN HealthPathways as the recommended osteoporosis exercise program in the region. STRONG Bones is our clinician-led osteoporosis exercise program in Newcastle.

Here, empowerment meets evidence-based care to build bone density with strength training

The program is specifically designed for people with low bone density, those at risk of osteoporosis, or anyone wanting to proactively strengthen their bones and reduce falls risk. It’s the osteoporosis exercise class you’ve been looking for. 

Who is STRONG Bones for?

STRONG Bones is designed for adults who have been told they have osteopenia or osteoporosis — or who are concerned about declining bone density and fracture risk.

This program may be right for you if:

  • You’ve had a DEXA scan showing low bone density
  • You’ve experienced a low-impact fracture at any age
  • Your GP has mentioned bone health, menopause or osteoporosis risk
  • You want to improve your bone density with strength training
  • You’ve read about strength training for bone health, leg strength and longevity and don’t know how to start
  • You feel uncertain about what exercises are safe for your bones
  • You want structured, supervised strength training — not guesswork

We commonly support women in peri- and post-menopause, as well as men and women over 50 who want to protect their strength, independence and long-term mobility.

What is STRONG?

STRONG Bones is our clinician-led osteoporosis exercise program in Newcastle, specifically designed to safely build bone density, strength and balance in people with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

The program is guided by the Exercise & Sport Science Australia (ESSA) Exercise for Osteoporosis guidelines and informed by landmark trials such as the LIFTMOR and MEDEX-OP studies. These studies demonstrated that targeted, progressive resistance and impact training can significantly improve:

  • Bone mineral density
  • Muscle strength
  • Functional capacity
  • Balance and falls risk
  • Confidence to engage with life

But STRONG Bones is more than a research protocol.

We’ve taken the principles proven in these trials and enhanced them with a higher level of clinical individualisation. That means your program is tailored to your bone scan results, fracture risk, training history, confidence level, and personal goals.

You are not placed into a generic class.
You are coached through a structured, progressive program designed for your body and your stage of life.

strong bones transcend health

How the STRONG Bones Program Works

STRONG Bones is not a drop-in gym class. It is a structured, progressive, clinician-guided program designed specifically for people with osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Step 1: Comprehensive 1-on-1 Assessment

We begin with a thorough individual assessment to understand:

  • Your medical and training history
  • Bone scan results (if available)
  • Previous fractures or areas of concern
  • Current strength, balance and movement capacity
  • Any limitations or red flags
  • Your goals, preferences and confidence level

This ensures your program is safe, appropriate and targeted to your individual fracture risk and functional needs.


Step 2: 1-on-1 Foundation Sessions (1-3 Sessions)

Before entering the small group environment, you complete two additional 1-on-1 sessions where we:

  • Introduce your individualised strength program
  • Teach correct lifting technique
  • Build confidence with key movements and loads
  • Adjust loads to the appropriate starting intensity

You do not have to  move into group training until you feel competent and confident.


Step 3: SG-MOVIT Small Group Training (4:1)

You then transition into our SG-MOVIT small group sessions (maximum 4 participants per clinician).

In these sessions you:

  • Complete your individual program
  • Train under close clinical supervision
  • Receive technique coaching and load adjustments
  • Progress safely as your strength improves

This model allows you to benefit from the motivation of a small group while maintaining the safety and individualisation of a clinical setting.


Step 4: Progress Reviews Every 6 Weeks

Every six weeks, we complete a structured check-in to:

  • Review your strength progression
  • Adjust loading and programming
  • Reassess technique
  • Ensure you are on track toward your goals

Progression is intentional and measured — not random.


Step 5: Commitment to Bone Change

Bone adaptation takes time.

To see measurable changes in bone density on a DEXA scan, most people require:

  • Strength training twice per week
  • For 8–12 months
  • At progressively challenging loads
  • Paired with sufficient protein intake

Sustainable bone change is a long-term investment in your independence, confidence and future fracture prevention.

Why Choose STRONG Bones at Transcend Health?

STRONG Bones is not a general strength class. It is a clinically structured, osteoporosis-specific program delivered in a highly supervised small group environment.

Here’s what makes us different:

1. Outcomes. 

The question you really want answered is “will this work for me?”. Yes. It will. Increasing bone density requires

  • Adequate load
  • Specific exercises
  • Done frequently
  • Alongside adequate nutrition

By attending our program for 8-12 months, following the protocol, we are confident that you will experience

  • Improved confidence
  • Increased Strength 
  • Positive changes on your Bone-Density scans

2. Clinician-Led, Not Fitness-Led

Every session is delivered by experienced Physiotherapists and Accredited Exercise Physiologists who understand fracture risk, loading, bone physiology and safe progression.

Your program is designed with clinical reasoning — not guesswork.


3. Small Groups, Real Supervision (4:1 Model)

We cap sessions at four participants per clinician.

This allows for:

  • Real-time technique correction
  • Individual load progression
  • Immediate adjustments for pain or confidence
  • Close monitoring of technique and movement quality

You are seen. You are coached. You are not left to train unsupervised.


4. Individualised Programming Within a Structured Framework

While we follow evidence-based osteoporosis guidelines, your program is tailored to:

  • Your DEXA results
  • Fracture history
  • Strength baseline
  • Confidence level
  • Personal goals

No two programs are identical.


5. Progressive Loading That Actually Changes Bone

Bone responds to specific, progressive mechanical stimulus.

We intentionally increase load over time — safely and methodically — so you are strong enough to create real physiological change, not just “stay active.”


6. A Long-Term Plan, Not a Short-Term Fix

Improving bone density takes consistency.

We guide you through a sustainable pathway of 1-2 sessions per week over 8–12 months to give you the best chance of measurable improvement on your DEXA scan and meaningful reductions in falls risk.

 

7. Trusted by local GPs

STRONG Bones is listed on HNECC PHN HealthPathways and preferentially referred by Newcastle GPs as the recommended osteoporosis exercise program in the Hunter region

How to get started!

You don’t need a referral. You just need a starting point.

Book your comprehensive assessment online or call our team. We’ll take care of the rest — safely, strategically and professionally.

If appropriate, we can liaise with your GP regarding a Chronic Condition Management Plan. Private Health Rebates are also available, with special rates for NIB members

Your future independence begins here.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is it for? STRONG Bones is an osteoporosis exercise program for people with osteoporosis, osteopenia, or low bone mass looking to improve strength and reduce fracture risk.
  • How often? Ideally two 60-minute supervised sessions per week.
  • What exercises? Targeted, high-intensity resistance training (weightlifting), impact exercises and balance exercises. We also address other issues, concerns and goals within our programs.
  • Results: Research shows 86% of patients increased lumbar spine bone mass, with significant improvements in hip bone density.
  • Cost & Coverage: Your sessions may be covered by private health insurance, NDIS, DVA, or Medicare (if eligible). Please note that Senior Clinician fees are billed at a higher rate. 
  • Do I need a referral from my GP? No referral is needed! 
  • What to bring: Your most recent bone density (DEXA) scan results.
  • What to wear: Comfortable, clothing that you can move in
  • Results Timeline: While strength improves quickly, measurable changes in bone density typically take 6–12 months.