Kyle Zagrodzky, President of OsteoStrong, on finding resources and resourcefulness in the wellness industry
“It’s something called biohacking.” When I heard these words during my interview with Kyle Zagrodzky, I immediately imagined hacking in all kinds of industries — cyber, financial, higher education. I envisioned deep-dives into data and elusive technologies that called for tech experts. I’ve heard of hacking computers, smartphones, and even raffles, but Zagrodzky’s “biohacking” refused to fit into any of these predefined categories. From the surface, biohacking, a loose metaphor which translates to “hacking one’s body,” sounds similar to an act from a science-fiction film. But, as Zagrodzky notes, it is just about making simple lifestyle changes to enhance body chemistry, physiology, and functioning.
I am incredibly thrilled to bring you a synopsis of my conversation with Kyle Zagrodzky, a lifelong entrepreneur, fitness-enthusiast, and president of OsteoStrong. At its core, OsteoStrong is based on the unique methodology of biohacking, or enabling individuals to improve bone-health through strength and balance training — no medications involved. OsteoStrong has evolved into a non-pharmaceutical way of improving bone density, strength, and balance, utilizing the Spectrum System, which consists of four separate devices monitored by trained technicians. Each device can contribute up to 12 times one’s body weight, thus stimulating an increase in bone and muscular strength. OsteoStrong is not meant to replace the gym or traditional exercise; rather, its system acts as a supplement to routine activities and can show immediate improvement in individuals of all ages.
Zagrodzky and I discussed his unconventional journey to launching OsteoStrong and the questions he asked himself along the way, as he navigated the meaning of success. While traditional healthcare practices emphasize treating weaker bones, OsteoStrong reverts its focus to helping people build strong bones. Zagrodzky shared his reflections on constructing OsteoStrong — from the bones up — and insightful tips for those looking to create a human-centered impact.
In a business, you have to contextualize your goals and know what you are after.
As an entrepreneur, there are very few moments when you aren’t pushing yourself or elongating your boundaries to fit more goals — more aspirations, more initiatives. For Zagrodzky, a guiding mantra has always been “to have vision” and having a broad idea of what he was after. “Everyone wants to do something, to change the world, and create impact,” he notes. “We see this in the education system, when leaders assert that they hope to create equitable educational resources. We see this in the medical system, when doctors want to provide all patients with the highest standard of care,” he adds. In essence, most entrepreneurs strive to create something that will improve lives and create enduring change. But, channeling such large-scale vision into tangible steps and movements can keep you centered. You want to push your vision, but remind yourself to stay energized and embrace your core mission, motive, and purpose.
An unconventional background is not a limitation: it brings experience and a refreshing perspective.
Many of us may feel out of place when entering an industry brimful of experienced individuals. For Zagrodzky, entering the health and wellness sphere — a realm otherwise dominated by medical experts and physicians — was intimidating. Zagrodzky had experience as an entrepreneur; in fact, he’d launched his first business during his teenage years. Later, he started a software company, Go Figure, Inc., to help health clubs manage memberships. Becoming interested in the health and wellness industries and having a foundational understanding of operational management, he and his wife decided to take ownership of several gym facilities. Through this endeavor, Zagrodzky stumbled across the idea of optimizing exercise to improve overall wellness for all individuals. Noticing that very few individuals attend gyms on a regular basis, Zagrodzky collaborated with fellow scientists to create a new industry and brand: OsteoStrong.
The OsteoStrong system takes advantage of a natural biological response in the body, which involves the brain triggering bodily replenishment when something is depleted. “When you’re hungry, your body prompts you to eat. If you get a paper cut, your brain will signal your blood to clot and repair skin,” adds Zagrodzky. Similarly, once the process of bone and muscle tissue growth has been triggered, the human body will do the rest of the work. Thus, OsteoStrong focuses on naturally improving bone health through a process known as Osteogenic Loading, a quick (once a week), painless, and sweat-free system which strengthens the skeletal system. This isn’t “traditional medicine or a gym,” explains Zagrodzky. However, this system is backed “by clinical research, science, and thousands of members’ experiences.”
Create a symbiotic relationship with those who you work with.
Zagrodzky’s vision for the future of OsteoStrong is nothing short of ambitious — and achieving this requires a dedicated team. “I hope for it to become one of the top ten most innovative wellness brands in the world and a household name” he states. “OsteoStrong aims to break the paradigm of how people think about health and wellness.” This long-term vision requires communal thinking, fresh perspectives, and routine innovation. And, Zagrodzky knows that he will not push OsteoStrong forward on his own. “I don’t want to be the smartest person in the room; I want to be a leader who listens to others and gives others the leader they need to feel supported.” In essence, cultivating a symbiotic relationship between team members and leaders can help drive motivation forward and construct a team which is incredibly dedicated to each other and company goals. “Appreciate people for who they are and what they can do to learn and grow,” Zagrodzky notes.
As a testament to his reflections, Zagrodzky stressed how the machines at the center of OsteoStrong were invented by John Jaquish, a biomedical engineer. Combining Zagrodzky’s entrepreneurial drive with Jaquish’s innovation, they aimed to make a difference in building bone density for people of all ages. Moreover, OsteoStrong has grown into a global franchise in the biohacking space, calling for vast communication and cross-collaboration between leadership, various franchise owners, and trainers.
In healthcare, OsteoStrong underlines the importance of respecting, nourishing, and strengthening our bodies. Too often, we reduce medical treatment to what can occur in a clinical space or hospital. However, we must build strategies to supplement clinical treatments and construct additional paths for achieving a healthy physical state. Whether you’re an athlete striving to build muscle strength or suffering from osteoporosis, OsteoStrong offers the potential to enhance bone health and honor our bodily wellbeing.
