The Top Shelf Test Every Woman Over 50 Should Try

Updated: September 21, 2026

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    In this article

      Written By Dr. Emma Gasinski, PT, DPT, RYT

      About the Author

      Emma has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals and is a certified yoga teacher. She’s passionate about giving the body tools to heal through movement and nutrition and addressing all parts of wellness when looking at an individual’s health.

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      What this simple everyday movement may reveal about your strength, stability, and independence.§

      How easily can you reach something on a high shelf?

      Putting dishes away…
      Reaching for your favorite mug…
      Lifting a suitcase into an overhead compartment.

      It seems like such a small thing.

      Until it starts getting harder.

      Because when reaching, lifting, and carrying stop feeling easy, you don’t just notice it in your shoulders. 

      You notice it in your life.

      You start hesitating.
      Avoiding certain shelves.
      Asking for help with things you used to do without a second thought.

      And little by little, your world can start feeling smaller.

      The good news? You can fight back against that.

      In this exclusive class, physical therapist Dr. Emma Gasinski shows you how to strengthen the shoulders, arms, upper back, and core you rely on every single day.

      Click below and start building the strength that makes everyday life feel easier.

      § This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare, diet, exercise, or supplement routine.

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      1. Denise Peniuk

        September 19, 2026 , 9:51 am

        What if you have myasthenia gravis

      2. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 21, 2026 , 7:28 pm

        Thank you for reaching out, Denise! I’m sorry to hear you’re navigating Myasthenia Gravis, as we know managing a chronic neuromuscular condition can present unique daily challenges.

        Because Myasthenia Gravis affects muscle strength, we encourage you to consult with your physician, neurologist, or primary healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise routine. They can best help evaluate which physical activities are safe and tailor them to your specific energy levels and needs.

        I hope this helps, and feel free to reach out to our team at 1-800-820-0184 (US & Canada Toll-Free) if you have any other questions! 🙂
        – Yoori

      3. Betty White

        September 19, 2026 , 10:58 am

        love to do these

      4. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 21, 2026 , 7:24 pm

        We’re so glad to hear you enjoy these tests and exercises, Betty.

        Staying proactive and having fun with your daily routine is such a wonderful way to support long-term strength and bone health. 💙
        – Yoori

      5. Joan Lathe

        September 19, 2026 , 2:43 pm

        excellent, Just excelkent!

      6. Sandy Platt

        September 19, 2026 , 4:58 pm

        I have used 10lb dumbbells for years as I do floor exercises with back flat and belly button tucked. Lift legs 6-10inches from floor and continue to pump legs . With dumbbells continue to bring arms over head pumping then move to breast strokes then over the head and down to your waste.

      7. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 21, 2026 , 7:23 pm

        Thank you for sharing your routine with our community, Sandy!

        It sounds like you’ve built a strong floor exercise routine to work on core strength and arm mobility while keeping your back supported. 💙 Keep up the great work – we are cheering you on!
        – Yoori

      8. Sandra Lothrop

        September 20, 2026 , 9:55 am

        I am 74 years old, and have been taking Algaecal Plus for over two years.

        I work out at the gym (for the past 30 years) and do yoga exercises for flexibility and strength. I have scoliosis and tailor my exercises to never put a strain on my back. But sometimes I have mild shoulder and upper back pain on the weaker side of my back. I have found that doing these exercises eliminates this pain! So, thank you!

      9. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 21, 2026 , 7:22 pm

        Thank you so much for sharing your story with us, Sandra! It is so inspiring to hear how proactive and dedicated you’ve been to your fitness and yoga routine for over 30 years, as well as staying consistent with AlgaeCal Plus. 💙

        We are so glad to hear that tailoring your exercises has helped manage your upper back and shoulder pain! Keeping strong and mobile is such a vital part of supporting your bone and joint health as you age.

        Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community, and keep up the great work!
        – Yoori

      10. KATHY ALEKNO

        September 27, 2026 , 10:34 am

        What is the simple test??? I didn’t see it on the video. And I didn’t see it on the previous email you sent. Is it simple reaching for a top shelf?? Thanks for getting back to me.

      11. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 29, 2026 , 7:25 pm

        Thanks for following up, Kathy! Yes, you understood correctly — the simple test is essentially an everyday overhead movement, such as reaching for something on a high shelf.

        The video describes reaching something on a high shelf as a simple way to think about your overhead strength, since this movement uses your shoulders, arms, and upper back.

        I’m sorry if that wasn’t clear in the video or our previous email, and I hope that helps clarify things!
        – Yoori

      12. Patricia Weber

        September 27, 2026 , 11:01 am

        It seems then it’s been worthwhile for me to take your AlgaeCal for at least 5 years now. Along with my bone shot, twice a year. I can reach a top shelf without any pain anywhere.

        Now sometimes, when in a grocery store, their top shelf is ridiculously high for 5’2″. As it turns out, a tall employee is usually right nearby. I simply ask them to help me.

        I also think Pilates twice a week for the last 5 years has been so helpful.

      13. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 29, 2026 , 7:41 pm

        Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Patricia! It is so wonderful to hear that you’ve been taking AlgaeCal for 5 years, and we love your practical strategy of asking tall store employees for a hand! 😊

        Pairing AlgaeCal with twice-weekly Pilates is such a fantastic routine.

        Thank you for being such an inspiring part of our community! If you ever have any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Bone Health Consultants at 1-800-820-0184 (USA & Canada toll-free).
        – Yoori

      14. Susan Schutz

        September 27, 2026 , 11:03 am

        I’ve always been challenged with reaching top shelves since I reached 5’1″ when I was 12 and that’s where I stuck.

      15. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 29, 2026 , 7:40 pm

        We understand, Susan! 🙂

        While we can’t change our height, keeping our shoulders, core, and upper body strong can help make reaching and lifting overhead feel much easier and safer.

        Thank you for being part of our community! If you ever have any questions, please feel free to reach out – we are happy to help!
        – Yoori

      16. Laura H.

        September 27, 2026 , 1:37 pm

        I have been taking AlgaeCal Plus and Algae Cal Collagen for about four months now. I have recently added Algae Cal Magnesium. I enjoy being part of this community and receiving these videos of exercises to gain strength as we age. I am 75 and still active riding my horse and doing the necessary barn work for two horses, and I want to continue as long as possible. Thank you for the shoulder workout. Although I can lift and carry bales of hay and water buckets, I do not often reach overhead in my daily chores. Thank you for providing a great workout!

      17. Yoori AlgaeCal

        September 29, 2026 , 7:38 pm

        Thank you for sharing your story, Laura! It’s inspiring to hear how active you are at 75—riding your horse and managing barn work for two horses is amazing! 🙂

        We’re so glad you found the shoulder workout helpful. Thank you for being part of our community, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions along your bone health journey with us!
        – Yoori

      Written By Dr. Emma Gasinski, PT, DPT, RYT

      About the Author

      Emma has a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals and is a certified yoga teacher. She’s passionate about giving the body tools to heal through movement and nutrition and addressing all parts of wellness when looking at an individual’s health.

      This article features advice based on cutting-edge research from our industry experts to give you the best possible information to support your bone-building journey.

      Lara Pizzorno
      MSc, MA, LMT - Best-selling author of Healthy Bones Healthy You! and Your Bones; Editor of Longevity Medicine Review, and Senior Medical Editor for Integrative Medicine Advisors.,
      Dr. Liz Lipski
      PhD, CNS, FACN, IFMP, BCHN, LDN - Professor and Director of Academic Development, Nutrition programs in Clinical Nutrition at Maryland University of Integrative Health.,
      Dr. Emma Gasinski
      PT, DPT, RYT - Physical therapist and certified yoga teacher with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rocky Mountain University of Health Professionals,
      Dr. Lawrence (Larry) A. May
      MD, FACP, Harvard Medical School Graduate, Physician, Author, Public Speaker - Doctor of Internal Medicine at Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center and author of several articles and books, including the widely utilized and best selling medical textbook Primary Care Medicine,
      About Our Bone Health Alliance Team

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