Exercises For Improving Balance For Seniors And The Elderly

Body Circles

Exercises for improving balance are vital in helping seniors and the elderly reduce the risk of falling. For generalized balance decline, I recommend performing balance exercises on a daily basis.

Below I have made a great balance video that is fun and easy to do. All you need is comfortable loose fitting clothing,  and a pair of smooth bottom shoes to wear so you won’t catch your feet.Read on then give it a try.

Increase stability

Working on our static or “standing” balance with exercises like body circles below will greatly assist in increasing our stability. An important component of exercises for improving balance is your ability to integrate your sensory information as you go about your day.

This information comes from your eyes, vestibular apparatus in your ears, and your somatosensory system which allows you to know where your body is in space. How do you handle standing on hard cement, soft grass, gravel surfaces or carpet.

Try standing on different surfaces as you perform the exercise below called body circles. If you are unsure of your balance when closing your eyes while standing, hold on to your good buddy the chair to start. This is always a great option when performing balancing exercises.

You can do it.

This is one of my favorite exercises to strengthen the ankles, which are our first line of defense when it comes to losing your balance. Your ankles keep your torso centered over your base of support. When performing exercises for improving balance, like the one below, try to keep your knees and hips stiff and straight.

Purpose of this exercise

This will enhance the work your ankles need to do and will make the exercise that much better.

Step 1

Stand with feet shoulder width apart, hands at sides.

exercises-for-improving-balance-1

Step 2

Keeping your body straight, slowly sway in a circle. Continue for 1 minute.

exercises-for-improving-balance-2

Breathing

Breathe normally, in through the nose and out through the mouth.

Tips

If you get dizzy, stop. Keep your body straight. Don’t hold your breath.Hold your arms out to the sides if you need more support

Take it up a notch

Bring your feet closer together for a more challenging workout.

Hold a sheet of paper with both hands and read while swaying.

How to do Body Circles

How to do Body Circles

More Balance Exercises

1. Single limb stance

2. Eye tracking

3. Clock reach

4. Staggered stance

5. Single limb with arm

6. Balancing wand

7. Knee marching

8. Body circles

9. Heel to toe

10. Grapevine

11. Stepping

12. Dynamic walking

Resources Prevent Falls
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-WhatYouCanDo-508.pdf