Improve spinal bone density and reduce fracture risk with these five weight-bearing exercises. Learn how deadlifts, squats, and planks stimulate bone growth and track progress with a DEXA scan in San Francisco.
Bone density in the spine is essential for posture, mobility, and overall strength. As we age, bone loss can weaken the spine, increasing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures. Fortunately, specific weight-bearing and resistance exercises can help stimulate bone growth, strengthen spinal support muscles, and improve posture.
Here are five of the best exercises to increase bone density in the spine, backed by science and biomechanical benefits.
🏆 Best for: Strengthening spinal bones, posture, and lower back stability
The deadlift is a compound movement that loads the spine with resistance, stimulating bone formation and strengthening the vertebrae, lower back, and core.
✔️ Weight-bearing stress on the spine stimulates bone growth.
✔️ Strengthens posture muscles to prevent kyphosis (hunchback).
✔️ Improves core and lower back strength, reducing the risk of falls and fractures.
1️⃣ Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell (or dumbbells) in front of you.
2️⃣ Hinge at your hips, keep your back straight, and grip the bar.
3️⃣ Engage your core and glutes, then lift the weight by standing up.
4️⃣ Lower the weight with control, maintaining good posture.
🔁 Reps: 3-4 sets of 5-8 reps (moderate to heavy weight).
📌 Tip: If you're new to weightlifting, start with bodyweight hip hinges or use a trap bar for a safer movement.
🏆 Best for: Improving spinal loading, leg strength, and posture
Squats are a functional movement that loads the spine and lower body, enhancing bone mineral density in the lumbar spine and hips.
✔️ Compression force on the spine stimulates bone remodeling.
✔️ Engages core muscles, reducing spinal instability.
✔️ Improves lower body strength, decreasing fall-related fractures.
1️⃣ Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell or dumbbells.
2️⃣ Engage your core, keep your chest up, and lower into a squat.
3️⃣ Keep your knees tracking over your toes and back straight.
4️⃣ Push through your heels to stand up.
🔁 Reps: 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
📌 Tip: Start with bodyweight squats or goblet squats before progressing to barbell back squats.
🏆 Best for: Strengthening spinal stability, grip, and posture
The farmer’s carry is a simple but powerful exercise that loads the spine while improving bone density, core strength, and balance.
✔️ Weight-bearing load on the spine strengthens vertebrae.
✔️ Improves grip strength, which is linked to bone density in aging adults.
✔️ Enhances posture and stability, reducing the risk of spinal fractures.
1️⃣ Hold a heavy dumbbell or kettlebell in each hand.
2️⃣ Stand tall, engage your core, and walk forward in a controlled manner.
3️⃣ Keep shoulders back and spine neutral.
4️⃣ Walk for 30-60 seconds, then rest.
🔁 Reps: 3-4 sets.
📌 Tip: Start with lighter weights and increase resistance as your grip and posture improve.
🏆 Best for: Strengthening upper spine, shoulders, and posture muscles
The seated row is a resistance-based exercise that targets the mid-back and spine, helping to improve posture and reinforce spinal bone density.
✔️ Strengthens the upper spine, reducing kyphosis (hunchback).
✔️ Loads the thoracic vertebrae, stimulating bone formation.
✔️ Improves scapular retraction, reinforcing spinal stability.
1️⃣ Sit on a seated row machine or use a resistance band anchored at chest height.
2️⃣ Grab the handles, keeping a neutral spine.
3️⃣ Pull the handles toward your chest, squeezing shoulder blades together.
4️⃣ Slowly return to the starting position.
🔁 Reps: 3-4 sets of 10-12 reps.
📌 Tip: Use a neutral or underhand grip for better lat and mid-back engagement.
🏆 Best for: Strengthening spinal stability, core, and posture muscles
The plank is a low-impact, weight-bearing exercise that reinforces spinal alignment and bone strength without excessive movement.
✔️ Isometric loading strengthens the spine without risk of compression fractures.
✔️ Engages deep core muscles, stabilizing the lumbar spine.
✔️ Improves posture and spinal endurance, reducing long-term wear and tear.
1️⃣ Get into a forearm plank position, keeping your back straight and core engaged.
2️⃣ Hold for 30-60 seconds, avoiding hip sagging or arching.
3️⃣ Gradually progress to side planks or weighted planks for increased resistance.
🔁 Reps: 3-4 sets of 30-60 seconds.
📌 Tip: If a full plank is too difficult, start with a knee plank or modify using an elevated surface.
📌 The best way to track improvements in bone density is through a DEXA scan.
✔️ Measures bone mineral density (BMD) in the spine, hips, and total body.
✔️ Tracks changes over time to see if exercises are improving bone strength.
✔️ Identifies osteoporosis or early bone loss before fractures occur.
👉 Example: If a DEXA scan shows low spine bone density, focus on progressive resistance training and posture exercises to improve it.
✔️ Deadlifts – Stimulate spinal bone growth and improve posture.
✔️ Weighted Squats – Load the spine & lower body, increasing bone density.
✔️ Farmer’s Carry – Builds spinal endurance and grip strength.
✔️ Seated Rows – Strengthen the mid-back and thoracic spine.
✔️ Planks – Reinforce spinal stability without excess strain.
🚀 To get real data on your spinal bone density, a DEXA scan is the best way to measure progress and ensure you're strengthening your bones effectively.
Want to track your spinal bone density and ensure your workouts are strengthening your bones? A DEXA scan at KALOS provides the most accurate assessment of bone health and muscle balance.
📍 Schedule your DEXA scan today at KALOS—because real data leads to better results.
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