I am a 51-year-old woman who has been relatively active most of my adult life. About two years ago I had a bone density scan performed and discovered that I was losing bone mass. My doctor prescribed Actonel, then Boniva, to help build bone or at least prevent me from losing any more bone. My maternal grandmother had severe osteoporosis, and it seemed as though I had inherited this disease. I am an avid horseback rider and the thought that my riding days may end too early was more than I could bear. So I decided to do something about it. I needed more exercise to help build bone.
I'm a professional and free time (outside of riding) was almost impossible to find. I needed to find an exercise that maximized the physiological benefits in the minimum amount of time. And I had to get the exercise done when I could do it, whether it was 6:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. My son was a rower, and we had just given him a Concept2 Indoor Rower as a birthday present. I had read about the benefits of rowing (aerobic and anaerobic) and decided that this was the best option for me.
I row at least 3–4 times per week and do at least 8000 meters each time. I set up the indoor rower in front of the television, watch the news while I'm rowing, and follow with about 15 minutes of Pilates and yoga (talk about multi-tasking)! It takes about one hour max to get my total workout in.
It's been 14 months since I started this program. I've lost 20 pounds, my blood pressure (a little high for years) is back to normal, and I just received a call for my doctor today. She's taking me off the Boniva! She was absolutely amazed. She has never seen such significant improvement. I told her that I'm sure it had everything to do with my rowing program. Looks like I'll be riding my horse (and rowing) for another 50 years. Thanks Concept2! Rowers rule the exercise world!
