Written By: Coach MJ
Balance is the ability to remain upright and steady on your feet!
We use our balance everyday without thinking about it, walking, getting up and down or even putting our socks and shoes on. That is till we fall or slip!
Falls can happen at any age but, tend to increase as we get older and it can take longer to recover from. Add in any other preexisting conditions such as osteoporosis or arthritis and your risk of a more serious fall and injuries increases.
Keeping our muscles strong and moving well helps us in our everyday activities and keeps us safe in our own homes for a longer time.
Balance exercises can be part of your daily routine to build stronger muscles in your legs and core. This then can help you maintain your stability and balance as you move through your day. One example is to stand on one foot for 30 seconds focusing on staying as stable as possible, hold on to a chair for assistance if needed.
The great thing about balance exercises is that it is never too late to start them. They are adaptable to help you build strength and stability at all fitness levels, even advanced athletes need good balance to help reach their goals in a safe way. Often we don’t even realize the imbalances in our bodies as they have become habits or we say “that’s just the way I walk”.
Building a stable balance evens out the pressure we put on our joints and helps reduce pain level.
Try these to start working on your balance:
1. Standing on one foot for 30 seconds, hold on to a chair if needed. To make it more challenging hold your foot out to the side or the front or back. Need more yet close your eyes and stay balanced
2. Walk a straight line, like a tightrope, placing one foot in front of the other.
3.Get up and down from your chair without holding on.
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