The Better Bones Solution: Strong Bones Naturally at Any Age

The Better Bones Solution is a four-day healing retreat at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, for adults who want to build bone strength naturally. Led by clinical nutritionist Dr. Susan Brown and yoga teacher Gina Galli, it brings together traditional wisdom from around the world and current nutritional science. It suits anyone concerned about osteoporosis or reduced bone density, at any age and with any level of experience.

What to Expect

The program is a hands-on workshop in building your own natural bone-building program. Over four days you work through a six-step approach covering diet, exercise, nutrient supplementation and stress reduction, and you learn how to shape each of these to your own situation. You also receive detailed support materials on the medical tests that can uncover hidden causes of osteoporosis, and on simple ways to assess your real risk of fracture. The approach is described as having helped thousands of people regain bone strength without pharmaceutical drugs.

Movement is part of the learning. Daily bone-safe yoga and movement practices are modified for osteoporosis, so you can practice with confidence and take them home.

The days follow a steady rhythm. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, followed by a Kripalu Yoga class, dinner, and an evening program session from 7:30 to 9:30. Full days begin with yoga at 6:30 am and a silent breakfast, then a program session from 9:00 to 12:30. After lunch comes a second session from 2:30 to 4:30, another yoga class, and dinner. On Thursday there is an additional evening session from 7:00 to 9:00. On the closing day, yoga and breakfast are followed by a final program session from 9:00 to 11:00, then lunch and departure. Actual times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the details and room locations.

About Susan Brown

Dr. Susan Brown is a clinical nutritionist and the founder of the Center for Better Bones and the Better Bones Foundation. Her work is the basis of the Better Bones Solution, the natural bone-building program taught in this retreat.

About Gina Galli

Gina Galli is the yoga teacher on the program, guiding the daily bone-safe yoga and movement practices adapted for osteoporosis and reduced bone density.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires region of western Massachusetts. Accommodations are intentionally simple, meant to help you unplug and feel grounded. You can choose a private single-occupancy room or a shared, community-style dormitory room. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available if you arrive earlier. Three meals a day are served, and guests have access to the Kripalu grounds.

Before You Go

No prior experience is needed. The program is designed for adults of any age, and the yoga classes include modifications for people with osteoporosis or low bone density. It is taught in English.

Your stay includes ten or more daily yoga and movement classes, three meals a day, program sessions with both presenters, lodging, and a 108-page Better Bones Solution manual to guide you in carrying out the six-step program at home. Healing Arts sessions, items from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe, and travel to and from Stockbridge are not included.

On departure day, room check-out is at 10:00 am, and you are welcome to stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.