Most people do not think about their balance or mobility. However, as someone who has struggled with both for over 25+ years, I’ve become an expert on how to improve both.
Balance and mobility fall into the category beside flexibility and core strength. They are a team and work together to help prevent falls and other accidents. Balance and mobility just like core strength and flexibility can be worked on to be improved. By doing so you reduce your risk of falls.
Having good balance and mobility isn’t always easy for some people myself included. It is something you have to work on daily and by doing so I’ve found ways to improve mine. Ways that are easy, simple, and work.
Ways to Improve Your Balance and Mobility
Find a Friend
Whether you define a friend as your spouse, sibling or neighbor find someone who you can rely on to work with a few days a week. With your friend’s help do some balancing techniques.
Stand on foot for 30 seconds at a time. Trying balancing on a wobble ball. Do sets of squats or my personal favorite use the force.
It takes muscle strength to get out of a chair, but it takes muscle force to do it quickly. “That force—the ability to get your leg in the right place in a nanosecond—is important in preventing falls,”. We lose muscle force faster than strength, and according to new research, it takes older women longer to build it back up. Try this move: Instead of gingerly rising from a chair, once in a while leap out of it so forcefully that you need to take a few running steps after you do so. (You can use your arms to gain momentum.) “The explosiveness of that action builds power,”. Side-to-side and back-to-front muscle movements have the same effect, such as when you play tennis or basketball. However, be sure you have someone with you who can help you when you do this so as you don’t fall due to loss of balance.
Exercise
I know just the thought of exercising is overwhelming and scary. As someone who has MS, I’ve taken several classes and joined many gyms only to be left feeling discouraged. That doesn’t mean exercise doesn’t work or that you shouldn’t exercise. In fact, exercise is key to staying healthy, strong, and active. However, most gyms and classes are not set up for people with MS they are targeted to young, healthy people with full mobility.
So how do you exercise and stay active?
The answer Silver & Fit. For me finding Silver & Fit was a blessing. They offer classes online via Youtube and Facebook daily. With classes geared towards older adults, it means that you won’t be swinging from a trapeze or sweating it out in boot camp. Every day offers something new at different levels throughout the day so you can work at your personal best. The best part is there is something for everyone whether it’s working out from a chair to doing yoga. Plus you can do it from home in an environment that is safe for you. It’s the perfect way to get active and move.
Physical Therapy
Check into getting some physical therapy. Whether you have been in the past or have recently finished look into getting a check-up with PT. Having an annual check-up or a bi-annual check-up with a therapist keeps you on your toes. They can see where you need help.
For me visiting a physical therapist bi-annually helps me to adjust my workout routine. I am able to adjust according to whether I need to work on core muscle or toning my legs. Sometimes it means working on balance or flexibility. It is a great detector of where you are physically and where you need to go or even how far you have come.
Physical therapy is also a great way to keep up with the last news on techniques, research, and devices that are out there that can help. Things like braces, cooling vests, or even walking sticks. Plus your therapist can put you in touch with support groups and resources to help with mobility.
Share with me some ways you work on improving balance and mobility?
As a Qualified Independent Travel Agent Affiliated With Academy Travel And Mickey Vacations. I Specialize In Planning Disney Vacations. Contact Me HERE For Your FREE No-obligation Quote. Plus as a mobility expert who has visited Disney multiple times, I can help you with most questions.
Leave a Reply