07/24/2026
The LIFTMOR Study (Lifting Intervention For Training Muscle and Osteoporosis Rehabilitation) was a landmark Australian research trial led by Professor Belinda Beck. It challenged the long-held belief that people with osteoporosis should avoid heavy lifting.
What was studied?
Researchers enrolled postmenopausal women with osteopenia or osteoporosis and compared two exercise programs.
High-Intensity Resistance and Impact Training (HiRIT)
Heavy deadlifts
Back squats
Overhead presses
Impact loading and jumping activities
Performed twice per week for eight months
Compared with:
A low-intensity home exercise program
The Results
Participants performing the high-intensity program experienced:
Approximately 3% increase in lumbar spine bone density
Improved hip (femoral neck) bone density
Increased strength and physical function
Better posture and maintenance of height
Very few adverse events when properly supervised
The study demonstrated that appropriately supervised heavy resistance training can be both safe and highly effective for individuals with low bone density.
What is ONERO®?
ONERO® is the clinical exercise program developed directly from the findings of the LIFTMOR Study. It combines:
Heavy resistance training
Impact loading
Balance training
The program is delivered by certified practitioners and is designed to improve bone density, reduce falls, and lower fracture risk.
For years, osteoporosis exercise recommendations focused primarily on walking, light weights, and avoiding heavy loads. The LIFTMOR Study showed that bone responds best to appropriately applied mechanical loading, making supervised strength training one of the most effective non-drug treatments available.
If you have been diagnosed with osteopenia or osteoporosis, or simply want to improve your bone health as you age, ask us whether ONERO® is right for you.