Kelley Southard - May 23, 2022

Balancing Act: 3 Easy Moves

Balancing is like any other skill: Practice, and you’ll get better; quit moving, and I can promise your balance will falter. Building your balance skills can help you to prevent injuries. Try these safe and easy balance exercises today!

Exercises to Improve Balancing Ability

If you or any of your family members are concerned about your falling risk, then you should start practicing some exercises to improve your balancing ability. In this article, you’ll find three easy moves you can do, and some additional suggestions to discuss with your doctor or physical therapist. Remember to take things slowly and be safe. If there’s something you don’t understand, ask your provider about it.

Balancing exercises not only increase your balance but also your coordination. They also improve your reaction time and help you avoid dangerous falls. Before you begin a balance exercise program, schedule a consultation with your doctor or physical therapist. You can follow a physical therapy or exercise program based on the assessment results. You can perform balance exercises at home, but it is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting. This way, you will be sure to have the right balance exercises to improve your mobility and balancing act.

While you might not think you need to do any balancing exercises, they will help you maintain your stability in space. It is important to remember that good balance is important for your overall health and well-being. As we age, our bodies start losing strength and coordination. The key to preventing falls is to strengthen your muscles and balance. If you want to avoid falling, you should start exercising now. Your muscles will thank you for it! These exercises will help you to stay active throughout your life.

3 Easy Balancing Exercises

Weigh Shifting Improves Balancing Skills

Weight Shifting

Stand near the kitchen counter for safety. Place feet shoulder width apart. Shift your weight evenly from right to left, back and forth. Engage your toes, lifting the pinky toes as you shift away from that side. Repeat 5 times in each direction.

Finger Touches Improve Balancing Skills

Finger Touches

Hold you arms out in front of you and have your fingertips touch. Slightly bend you knees. Then move your arms out to the side and then behind you, twisting so you fingertip touch behind you. This motion will encourage you to shift your weight from front to back, from your heels to your toes. Keep your feet in contact with the floor. Think about engaging your toes, curling them when fingertips are in front, lifting toes when fingertips reach behind your back.

Hip Circles Improve Balancing Skills

Hip Circles

Lastly, with your feet shoulder width apart. Move your hips in a circle going clockwise, bending your knees as needed. Make the circle five times. Repeat counterclockwise 5 times. Appreciate how your toes, feet, and ankles move as you control your balance.

To watch the videos of these exercises visit my website! These exercises are great for strengthening your balance, ankles, and legs! Click here to go to a post about how the pelvis affects your balance.

Additional Techniques to Ask About

Here are some additional techniques you might want to discuss with your physical therapist. One is the tightrope walk, using a rope that is resting on the floor. This exercise helps you improve your balance, posture, and core strength. Just be sure to practice in a straight line and take a couple of steps before trying the next exercise. The heel of the front foot should touch the toes of the back foot. Another exercise to improve your balance is the heel-toe walk flat on the floor. To do this, you need to alternate between the front and back foot. After you master this exercise, repeat this process at least once a day for a few minutes.

Much more advanced exercises include using a slack line, wobble board or other devices. Check with your doctor or physical therapist before using any balancing tool. There is a risk of injury with them. Start with these three easy exercises, and have fun.

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