A former bodybuilder’s osteoporosis diagnosis underscores why strength training alone may not tell the whole story
[Orlando, FL – November 11 , 2026] — A woman in her late 50s who had spent much of her life strength training and working as a personal trainer was stunned when her first DEXA scan showed osteoporosis.
Her experience highlights a point that Vicky Countess Coaching says deserves more attention: strong muscles and an active lifestyle are valuable, but they don’t reveal every factor that may affect bone health.
“Osteoporosis can develop without obvious symptoms, so a woman may not know her bone density is low until she has a fracture or receives a scan,” says Vicky Countess, founder of Vicky Countess Coaching. “Rather than assume that exercise alone has covered every risk, women can talk with their healthcare provider about their individual risk factors and whether screening is appropriate.”
Bone health can be influenced by a range of factors, including family history, body size, certain medical conditions, medications, nutrition and the menopause transition. Estrogen levels decline around menopause, and bone loss can accelerate during the years that follow. Women may lose up to 20% of bone density in the five to seven years after menopause.
That’s why Countess emphasizes the first step of her BONES Method: **B for Baseline**.
The coaching approach begins by exploring possible contributors to an individual’s bone-health concerns before making lifestyle changes—rather than relying on guesswork. It is intended to complement, not replace, medical evaluation and care.
Women do not necessarily have to wait until age 65 to discuss screening. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening for postmenopausal women under 65 who are at increased risk, based on clinical risk assessment. Countess encourages women approaching or past menopause to ask their healthcare provider: “Based on my risk factors, should I get a DEXA scan now?”
“Knowing your bone-health status can help you have a more informed conversation with your healthcare team,” Countess says. “The right next step depends on the person, which is why establishing a baseline matters.”
*Editorial note: The menopause bone-loss and screening statements are supported by the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation, the National Institute on Aging and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.*
About Vicky Countess Coaching
Vicky Countess Coaching helps women understand and take action on their bone health, with a focus on fracture prevention, fall risk reduction, and the gap between a diagnosis and a plan.
Vicky Countess Coaching (VCC) is the health arm of The Countess Group (TCG) and provides personalized health coaching focused on helping women improve bone health through nutrition, strength, and sustainable lifestyle habits.
Vicky Countess is certified as a Life Coach and as an Integrative Health Coach through the Institute for Integrative Nutrition (IIN). Over the years, she has attended multiple osteoporosis summits, completed advanced coursework, studied extensively through books and trainings, and consulted with nationally recognized osteoporosis specialists.
Vicky Countess Coaching empowers clients to move beyond fear and uncertainty toward confidence and control through a proactive, informed approach to bone health.
Learn more at www.VickyCountessCoaching.com
Find Vicky on: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
About The Countess Group
The Countess Group (TCG) is a marketing and coaching company which has been providing measurable results for clients for over 20 years. The company is led by Ken Countess, an award-winning marketer and an accredited, nationally recognized expert.
All product names and other brand names mentioned herein are service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contact:
Ken Countess
407-242-4200
ken@kenisemail.com
