Loss of balance is a common effect of some medical conditions, and the natural process of aging. The good news is that there are exercises you can do to increase your body’s ability to balance. Balance exercises are specific activities that help build muscle strength in your legs as well as improve the functionality of your vestibular system.
As we learned in earlier posts, balance is maintained through a sophisticated system that works together to keep your body upright and prevents you from falling. It has been shown that by participating in activities such as tai chi and yoga you can increase your bodies ability to maintain balance.
Here is another simple way that you can help to maintain balance with a simple daily exercise:
Beginner:
- Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top.
- Lightly grasp the chair or counter top with your finger tips.
- Raise one leg a foot off the ground.
- Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
- Hold for a count of ten seconds.
- Repeat with other leg.
- Perform five on each leg.
Intermediate:
- Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top for safety only.
- Without holding on to the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
- Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
- Hold for a count of ten seconds.
- Repeat with other leg.
- Perform five on each leg.
Advanced:
- Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top for safety only.
- Close both eyes.
- Without holding on to the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
- Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
- Hold for a count of ten seconds.
- Repeat with other leg.
- Perform five on each leg.