Balance – and I don’t mean it the way you think! Yes, we need balance in our lives and unfortunately we start losing our sense of balance beginning in our middle ages.
If you don’t do any balance exercises, you can lose your balance and suffer falls. Have you ever taken a fall? Adults 60 or older who have not done any balance exercises have a greater risk of falling.
Make it a habit to do some balance exercises at least 3-4 times a week.
One easy exercises is to stand at a counter or a steady chair. With both feet about shoulder width, lift one foot forward at least one inch and hold as long as you can – 10 seconds or more.
Bring that foot down and then shift to the other foot. You can also try this by bending the knee and bringing the foot backward (similar to a flamingo stance). Try holding this for as long as you can – 10 seconds or more.
Repeat for the other foot. Eventually you should be able to do it without any added object.
Whenever I’m waiting in line (grocery, bank, etc.) I try standing on one foot, lifting the other at a comfortable level and hold for at least 10 seconds. Then I switch to the other foot and hold.
Another exercise is to stand behind a chair and start by holding it with both hands for support. To challenge yourself further, try holding onto the chair with only one hand.
As you feel steady, try using one finger to balance you. Then try balancing without holding on. When you are ready, try doing this exercises with your eyes closed.
With a little balance exercises each day, you can strengthen your core to prevent falls. The more you do, the less chance of injuring yourself.
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
