AprilEdition

Do You Sometimes Feel Off-Balance?
By: Mary Richard / Health Fitness
Balance - and I don’t mean it the way you
think! Yes,
we need balance in
our lives, and we start losing our sense of
balance in our middle ages.
If we don’t do any balance exercises,
we can lose our balance in our aging
selves and take falls. Have you ever taken
a fall? Older 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. Some
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.
Another exercise is to stand behind a
chair and start by holding the chair with
both hands for support. To challenge
yourself further, try holding the chair
with one hand only.
As you feel steady, try using one finger
to balance you. Then try balancing
without holding on. When you are
steady on your feet, try doing the
exercises with your eyes closed.
With a little more balance exercises
each day, you can help strengthening
your core to help prevent falls. The more
you do balance exercises, the less chance
of injuring yourself.
Challenge and enjoy!
POSITIVE ATTITUDE AND HAPPY HEALTH TO ALL!
Mary Richard is a long term supporter of senior fitness. She
teaches Zumba, toning and dance classes throughout the Las Vegas
Valley. She can be reached at zumbaqueen@cox.net.
Experience.
Integrity.
Deep Roots.
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34
April 2022