Yoga for Osteoporosis: Strengthen Your Bones, Balance, and Spirit by Ronnie Kauder

 Do you have osteopenia or osteoporosis? Are you looking for a natural way to keep your bones strong while improving your posture, strength, and flexibility?

Yoga is a natural!

I’ve seen firsthand how yoga can be a transformative practice for people dealing with bone loss. It’s not just about stretching—it’s about building strength, improving balance, and reconnecting with your body. And the best part? You can start at any age, from any physical condition.

In his just-released 2025 book, Yoga for Osteoporosis, Dr. Loren Fishman—a medical doctor and long-time yoga practitioner—shares exciting research supporting the use of yoga to improve bone health. His studies, including a 2009 pilot and a larger follow-up in 2016, found that yoga improved bone mineral density in the spine, hip, and femur.

He also writes:

“Yoga has been shown to improve posture, balance, strength, range of motion, and coordination, as well as lower anxiety.”

All of these benefits reduce the risk of falls, which are responsible for 95% of serious fractures in people with osteoporosis.

Gentle Yoga for Strong Bones at Shree

At Shree, I lead Gentle Yoga for Strong Bones, a class specifically designed to support students with osteopenia and osteoporosis. Every session focuses on safe, targeted movements that:

• Support bone density
• Improve posture and alignment
• Build muscle strength
• Enhance balance and coordination
• Create a sense of confidence and calm

We use poses backed by Dr. Fishman’s research, carefully adapted for each body, with a focus on clear instruction and safety. Whether you're new to yoga or returning to movement after an injury or diagnosis, these classes are accessible and supportive.

Join us:
·        Tuesdays at 11:00 AM – In-person or on Zoom
·        Fridays at 12:00 PM – Zoom only

The Results Speak for Themselves

Students often tell me they feel better after class—and that’s just as much about the emotional support and time for themselves as it is about the physical movement.

Here are a few words from our community:

“Love Gentle Yoga for Strong Bones with Ronnie on Tuesday mornings. With my osteoporosis, it is great to have clear step-by-step instructions coupled with Ronnie’s careful attention to alignment and posture, all in an accepting and relaxed environment.”
— Thana G.

"This year when I went for my bone density scan, I couldn't believe my ears when the radiologist told me that my hip and spine were NORMAL! 

You, your studio, and your excellent instructors have been a blessing in my life. Yoga has changed my life for the better—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.”
— Fondly, Doreen

A Holistic Approach to Bone Health

Yoga isn’t just a physical practice. It brings awareness to how we move, stand, breathe, and even how we think. That’s why I love seeing students not just grow stronger physically, but also walk out of class feeling more confident, relaxed, and empowered.

If you’re ready to support your bones, calm your mind, and build resilience from the inside out—this practice is for you.

Come move, breathe, and grow—on your time.

Shree Yoga Celebrates 20 Years of Cultivating Community, Practice, and Purpose by Chaya Spencer

 As a mom of young children looking for purpose and meaning, I began teaching yoga in 1998 in Chestnut Ridge, NY renting space at a local Tae Kwon Do studio. I’d done a long and intensive yoga teacher training in India several years before and was ready to honor and offer what I’d learned there to people here in the US.

Welcome to Shree

After seven years teaching in Chestnut Ridge we were ready for a place we could call our own. After much hunting, and one or two disappointments, a perfect place finally appeared; it faced the Saddle River around a peaceful courtyard, and I recognized that it could be a place of peace and harmony. After a puja, or Indian blessing ceremony, I opened the doors to Shree Yoga with a ribbon cutting, a weekend of free classes and door prizes on January 8, 2005.

Photo: January 8, 2005—Ribbon cutting with Saddle River Councilwoman Carole Fitzpatrick and Liz Calabrese, who warmly welcomed us to the community.

Over the past 20 plus years, our journey has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. While other yoga studios have come and gone, Shree Yoga has remained steadfast. When the economy faltered in 2008, we provided discounted classes to those in need. During the trials of the pandemic, we pivoted to online classes, ensuring continuity for our students. And when the time came to reopen for in-person practice, we welcomed our community back with open arms. Many of our students have been with us since the beginning, and our teachers have dedicated decades to teaching at Shree. Together, we’ve built a sanctuary of support, guidance, and connection for hundreds.

All levels class

Why do people stick with us? Our students tell us it’s because we’re the real deal. We’re not a glitzy corporate box studio. We offer yoga classes that embody the wisdom, heart and authenticity of yoga as taught in India honoring the culture and teachings from its point of origin. For us, yoga is about much more than exercise and fitness. We embrace the spirituality at yoga’s core and weave that into our classes.  It is these teachings that have helped so many find healing and transformation at Shree.

April 2020 Classes moved online during Covid

While we honor yoga’s ancient roots, we also embrace the evolving science of movement and biomechanics, creating a balanced approach that blends tradition with innovation. Our classes range from gentle to vigorous, with specialized offerings for those with limited mobility or other needs. Our workshops, courses, trainings and retreats—particularly our mountain yoga retreats—are beloved by our community.

Chair yoga classes twice a week

At Shree Yoga, every individual is met with care and respect. We strive to create an inclusive, welcoming space where all feel safe and supported. Guided by transparency and integrity, we donate 10% of our profits to charity, ensuring that our success benefits the broader community.

Personally, Shree Yoga has been a source of strength and solace through life’s challenges. It has given me purpose, hope, and fulfillment. I am deeply grateful to our students, our devoted teachers, and my husband, William, for his unwavering support. Most of all, I am grateful for the gift of yoga itself.

As we celebrate 20 years in Saddle River, plus another seven years before that in Chestnut Ridge, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been part of this journey. Here’s to many more years of breathing, practicing, and connecting together.

A serene and beautiful sanctuary