Bone Health Circuit Classes

Movement Lab – Strong Bones Circuit

Movement Laboratory offers strength circuit classes designed to increase bone density and health, and reduce the risk of Osteoporosis and bone loss. Our Bone health exercise classes are led by exercise physiotherapists at our Sydney clinic – we provide programs tailored to your body structure and performance goals.

Movement Laboratory Bone Health

Take Control of your Bone Health

Bone health is not just about staying active; it’s about moving with purpose. As we age, hormonal changes, periods of inactivity, and the natural wear and tear of life can lead to a gradual decline in bone density. Bone loss often goes unnoticed and is only evident after a fall or fracture. 

If you are navigating perimenopause or menopause, living with osteoporosis or osteopenia, feel out of place in big commercial studios that push too hard and guide too little, or want more quality teaching in a smaller group, but not feel like you’re in a rehab class, then our Bone Health Strength Circuit are for you. 

Our Bone Health Circuit classes are led and designed by physiotherapists and experienced movement educators. Every session is structured around current clinical guidelines, tailored to your specific goals, and closely monitored for safety and progress. We are not a generic fitness studio. We are a clinic where exercise becomes a powerful tool for prevention, resilience, and confident living.

Tired of workouts that weren’t built for you?

“I just want to stay strong and steady—without the guesswork. I’m tired of Googling, second-guessing, and stitching my own plan together.”

The Stats on Bone Health

Bone loss doesn’t start at 70. For many, it starts at 40. It can present as joint pain, balance issues, or a classic fracture. In 2022, the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reported that more than 853,600 (3.4%) people in Australia were estimated to be living with osteoporosis or osteopenia.

Bone loss is a concern for both men and women. Women can lose up to 5% of bone mass during six months of breastfeeding, and bone density can drop by up to 20% in the first five to seven years after menopause. 

Men also suffer bone-related injuries. A 2024 study by the International Osteoporosis Foundation found that 1 in 2 women and 1 in 3 men over 50 will suffer a bone-related fracture. After the first fracture, the risk of a second fracture more than doubles.

Exercise guidelines for healthy bones

Exercise Guidelines for Healthy Bones

Exercise physiotherapy is proven to be effective for maintaining and building bone density, while also reducing the risk of falls. However, not all exercise is created equal, and not all strength classes are designed with your safety, bone health, and long-term outcomes in mind. 

Exercise and Sports Science Australia found: 

  1. Progressive resistance training (PRT) with weights, resistance bands, and reformers can help build and maintain bone density. PRT was found to be effective at a frequency of 2 to 3 sessions per week. 
  2. Load-bearing activities, such as walking, stair climbing and controlled stepping-up exercises, were effective at building up bone density when practised 3 to 5 times a week. These activities are also designed to improve posture and balance to reduce the risk of falls. 

Our team specialises in musculoskeletal physiotherapy and is experienced Clinical Circuit and Rehabilitation instructors. Using the guidelines above and by understanding your condition, we create evidence-based workout schedules tailored for you.

Bone Health Class in Movement Laboratory

Bone health is not just about feeling the burn, nor is it just about the glutes and core. We design our classes to keep you strong, steady, and resilient. 

Our Strength Circuit classes incorporate Reformers, weight rack, dumbbells, kettlebells, barbells, and targeted resistance tools to progressively load bones and strengthen the body safely. We combine strength training with balance-focused movement and postural education to ensure that every session supports your health in a measurable, evidence-based way. 

We don’t deliver one-size-fits-all classes. Your enrolment includes a 30 mins chat with our physio where we review your medical history, movement patterns, and goals through a comprehensive assessment. Each of our bone health classes is conducted in small groups of 5 or fewer participants – you won’t be ignored or left behind. Our instructors are with you every step of the way, making sure each movement is safe, effective, and right for you.

Our classes are claimable on private health insurance where eligible. Contact us for more information on your eligibility for private health fund rebates.

Bone health class movement lab

Our Class vs Commercial Pilates

Commercial Pilates Studios Movement Lab Clinical Classes
Large class sizes (10–20+ people) Small classes (max 5 per class) — you’re seen and guided
General fitness focus (burn, tone, sweat) Preventative health focus — designed for bone health, stability, mobility
Not tailored to specific conditions Targeted programs for osteoporosis, menopause, arthritis, etc.
Instructors may not be qualified for clinical populations Led by physiotherapists, women’s health specialists, and movement educators
No initial screening Starts with a 1:1 physiotherapy assessment
Often unaware of your medical history Your history is reviewed before you even join a class
No evidence-based framework Designed using latest clinical research and guidelines
Not health fund eligible Eligible for private health fund rebates
Minimal ongoing education Team constantly upskilling, training and reviewing outcomes
“Feel the burn” style classes Structured, intentional movement that protects and strengthens

Ready to Move with Confidence?

If you or your loved one is looking to exercise for bone health, simply “moving” is not enough. The type of exercise, the supervision you receive, and how your body is assessed and progressed can determine whether your efforts will effectively support your health or put you at risk.

At Movement Lab, we make exercise purposeful, safe, and aligned with your goals so you can move confidently and maintain your health long-term.

Lesson Guide

Class Structure (50–55 minutes)

Exercise Recommendations

Staying active helps support your bone health and is important throughout life. The benefits of exercise far outweigh any risk and a supervised exercise program can help you gain confidence. People with osteoporosis should remain active and not avoid exercise. Please note exercise is not a replacement for osteoporosis treatment.

Below is a summary of the 3 types of exercise recommendations. It explains recommended exertion level, repetitions and frequency per week based on your level of ability. This information can be shared with a trainer. For high risk individuals supervision by an exercise physiologist is recommended.

A trainer can assist with determining your 1RM and RPE.

Mode Components Low-risk individuals* Moderate-risk individuals† High-risk individuals‡
1. Weight Bearing Impact Loading Vertical and multi-directional jumping, bounding, hopping, skipping rope, drop jumps and bench stepping with progressively increasing height High impact activities
4–7 days per week
50 jumps per session
Moderate–High impact activities
4–7 days per week
50 jumps per session
Moderate impact activities
4–7 days per week
Work up to 50 repetitions per session
2. Resistance Training (Progressive) 8 exercises per session targeting major muscle groups attached to the hip and spine. These include weighted lunges, hip abduction/adduction, knee extension/flexion, back extension, reverse chest fly, and abdominal exercises, or smaller group compound exercises such as squats and deadlifts 2 days per week
2–3 sets of 8 repetitions
Select 8 exercises per session and rotate through different ones each training sessionTechnical Guide
80–85% 1RM§
≥ 8 on RPE scale**
2 days per week
2–3 sets of 8 repetitions
Select 8 exercises per session and rotate through different ones each training sessionTechnical Guide
80–85% 1RM§
≥ 8 on RPE scale**
2 days per week
2–3 sets of 8 repetitions
Select 8 exercises per session and rotate through different ones each training sessionTechnical Guide
80–85% 1RM§
≥ 8 on RPE scale**
3. Balance Training Standing and moving exercises with a gradual reduction in base of support to standing on one foot, perturbing the centre of mass with leaning and reaching then regaining balance with minimal use of the upper limbs, e.g. Tai Chi, and walking on uneven surfaces Challenging tasks incorporating balance activities into strength and impact elements where possible Challenging tasks 4 sessions per week
30 minutes of a variety of balance exercises; at least 10 per steps forward and back for mobility exercises
Challenging tasks 4 sessions per week
30 minutes of a variety of balance exercises; at least 10 per steps forward and back for mobility exercises


* Low risk – normal bone health
† Moderate risk – low bone density (osteopenia)
‡ High risk – diagnosed osteoporosis (includes individuals who have previously fractured)
§ 1RM is the maximum weight you can lift with correct technique for certain exercise (training is then done at 80–85% of this weight)
** Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE) on a scale 1–10, 1 being easy and 10 taking all your effort to complete 1 repetition

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect After Your Assessment

If you need more support, or are currently suffering from multiple pains and aches, we might suggest physiotherapy intervention, or to choose our clinical studio classes instead. 

Do I need an assessment before starting classes?

Yes. This assessment is completed by our qualified physio to assess your medical history and physical condition. We detect any underlying problems that may affect your suitability for the class and make the right recommendations.

Are your classes health fund claimable?

Many of our clients claim their sessions under physiotherapy or exercise physiology, depending on their health fund and coverage.

How does enrolment work?

After your intro package, we will guide you into a class stream that fits your goals and schedule, ensuring consistency and clear progression.

How many sessions are included in enrolment?

You will have access to 10 sessions upon enrolment, to be used within a period of 11 weeks. We recommend attending bone circuit classes weekly and with the same instructor for consistency.

Are you ready to get started
on your recovery journey?

Booking Online is the most convenient way to lock in the location,
practitioner & time that suits.

Please select the location –> Movement Classes –> Book Initial Physio Assessment in Welcome Bundle
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Movement Laboratory

Awards & Memberships

5.0
Based on 171 reviews
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Maritsa Macpherson profile picture
Maritsa Macpherson
21:12 14 Mar 26
First session with Alex May, myofascial therapist at Movement Laboratory and it was firm but gentle. Alex knows muscles and pain and how to release tension without causing more pain. I left feeling taller and more relaxed. Can’t wait to see him again for more painless relief.
Gordon McBean profile picture
Gordon McBean
04:01 13 Mar 26
Emily has been a fantastic physio. Calm, methodical, compassionate and knowledgeable. She has provided a clear treatment plan that has helped me get moving again after some complex health challenges. Would highly recommend.
Daniela Falecki profile picture
Daniela Falecki
21:46 11 Mar 26
I’d happily recommend Justin to anyone dealing with ongoing pain. After seeing three different physios over the past 12 months for my lower back, things were actually getting worse. I kept being told to “stretch more,” but nothing was really improving.

Justin took a completely different approach. He really listened—both to what I was saying and to what my body was telling him. Instead of just treating the symptoms, he worked to understand and address the underlying causes of the pain.

The difference has been incredible. I can now move freely again without the constant discomfort that had become part of daily life.

Justin has been an absolute godsend. If you’re feeling stuck or frustrated with ongoing pain, I can’t recommend him highly enough.
Anastasya Lonergan profile picture
Anastasya Lonergan
05:22 04 Mar 26
I have been attending Movement Lab as a client of Alex May for pregnancy massage since my second trimester. The service has been really excellent. Alex is skilled, professional, friendly and holistic in his approach. I have really appreciated being able to go somewhere with a focus on client care and ensuring safe practice. Would seriously recommend!
Bianca Ducharme profile picture
Bianca Ducharme
11:01 01 Mar 26
I started seeing Justin for ongoing aches on the left side of my body — my neck, lower back, and hip. Previously, it felt like other physiotherapists focused only on the symptoms, but Justin took a completely different approach. He assessed and treated my body as a whole.

He began by addressing my nervous system and breathing patterns before introducing targeted exercises to correct muscle imbalances, along with craniosacral therapy. The difference has been significant.

I truly can’t recommend him enough. I only wish I had found him sooner. Each session has helped me better understand my body, and I finally feel empowered to move beyond the aches I’d been carrying for so long.
Briana Russell profile picture
Briana Russell
02:30 07 Jan 26
I was advised by my Obstetrician to see a physio and was seen by Emily, who was extremely knowledgable, friendly and made me feel comfortable throughout our assessment. She provided a clear outline for my ongoing treatment and answered all my questions clearly. I would highly recommend Movement Laboratory Physiotherapy, Leichhardt.
keisha galbraith profile picture
keisha galbraith
05:01 04 Nov 25
Had my first appointment with Emma yesterday as a newly pregnant woman with chronic pain. We went through my medical history in appropriate and not invasive detail.
I feel really good about moving forwards working with her.
Walking is MUCH easier today. Thank you
Erica Marquez profile picture
Erica Marquez
00:46 01 Oct 25
I’m pregnant and wanted to see a women’s specific physiotherapist to optimise my body for birth. I see EJ and I feel very comfortable with her. She conducts thorough assessments and listens to my concerns. Her support and encouragement is invaluable which always leaves me feeling empowered.

She explained every step of the treatment process clearly, ensuring I understood the purpose behind each exercise and technique.

I highly recommend this practice if you’re after a women’s focused physiotherapist. They even offer remedial massage which I am yet to book in.
sam yildirim profile picture
sam yildirim
09:41 11 Aug 25
I had an incredibly positive experience with my physiotherapy following surgery. From the very first session, the team was supportive, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me recover. They created a personalised plan that really worked for me, and I noticed steady progress every week.
Thank you Movement Laboratory Leichhardt team.
tele jele profile picture
tele jele
02:33 09 Sep 23
Anastasia is the most wonderful physiotherapist who helped us recover and improve our mobility and strength in record time. Highly recommend!
Sara Page profile picture
Sara Page
01:43 08 Sep 23
I saw the lovely Shannon for my first consult today. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable and patient. The lovely reception staff were also amazing! Thank you team!!
Emma Powell profile picture
Emma Powell
11:14 07 Sep 23
The team are so wonderful and lovely to be around. They make your recovery feel effortless and no set backs are ever taken negatively. Thanks team!
paul nelson profile picture
paul nelson
03:30 04 Sep 23
I have loved my visits to Movement Laboratory. Alannah has really helped me on my journey to overcome back pain. Highly recommend
Min Zhuo profile picture
Min Zhuo
07:39 31 Aug 23
Anastasia is very patient and informative in my daughter’s point assessment. It was great to have someone guide us through this journey. Thank you
Karla Komene profile picture
Karla Komene
06:46 02 Aug 23
This place was amazing I was so happy about how I was treated and looked after . I liked how everything was explained to me and it made sense . I was grateful when I told my symptoms to the lovely lady she knew what I was talking about and ways we could improve things and that I wasn’t alone. Also I felt that the environment was pleasant calm and relaxing which is what I needed. I have already taken a few work cards to pass out to some ladies I know . Thank you ???? Looking forward to moving forward
Mark Westman profile picture
Mark Westman
10:18 05 Jul 23
Anastasia is a miracle worker! I'm a keen runner and I started seeing her a few months ago after a couple of broken backs and a (new) torn hammy. She diagnosed my hammy problem quickly and efficiently, provided immediate relief through some deep massage to allow me to survive a few more important runs before my wedding (honeymoon = rest), and has helped me rebuild through focused strength work and home exercises. She obviously cares about her patients and enjoys helping them achieve their goals. I'm now running regularly and pain free again! Thanks Anastasia 🙂