Exercises To Improve Your Balance

Losing your balance is a part of life. It happens all the time. As we get older, however, things such as
vision problems, inner ear problems, or weakened hips and ankles can throw off our balance more often.
When young people get off balance, they can react quickly. Muscles kick in to stabilize them and they
Each year,
more than one-third of people age 65 or older fall. Falls and fall-related injuries, such as hip fracture,
can have a serious impact on an older person's life. If you fall, it could limit your activities or make it
impossible to live independently.

Balance exercises, along with certain strength exercises, can help prevent falls by improving your ability
to control and maintain your body's position, whether you are moving or still. Strengthening and balance
exercises work together. The process of balancing will help strengthen core muscles and stronger
muscles will improve balance. Spending just 5 minutes a day will help you improve your balance and
prevent falls. In order to improve, balance exercises must be practice everyday.

Balance exercises are easy and can be done at any level. Balance exercises are done slowly. Have a
chair or counter close by so you can hold on. As you become stronger, slowly lighten your grip as you
do the exercises. Before you know it you will just be using a couple of fingers and then no hands at all.
As you progress you can do the same moves and increase their complexity by closing your eyes or
moving your head or moving your arms.