Balance exercises to stop mum from falling?

jenniewb

I have issues with balance. If I don't keep up practicing it I lose it and despite otherwise managing to be very active my balance can be terrible!

One of the best tips I found which works for me as I am otherwise very lazy (or just worn out by exercise) is to try to add balancing exercises into your daily routine. It doesn't have to be a major balancing act- (although if your aiming for circus standard its always an option) a few ideas suggested to me by a past yoga teacher or my own experience are...

Stand on one leg when you brush your teeth or wash up the dishes (trying not to hold on if at all possible!)

When loading the washing maching try to stand on one leg

climbing the stairs try to watch which leg you start on, swap the leg you begin with as its often the strongest leg that takes all the strain and so becomes stronger, having one side of your body weaker then the other can make balancing a lot harder. Similarly if you find that for example when brusing your teeth on one leg that one is easier then the other try hard to swap legs so the weaker leg gets more practice the next few times.

Don't forget to try to keep your body flexible and mobile, if your more in touch with your own space it can make the whole thing feel easier. Try things like touching your toes (or as far as you can get) swinging arms around in a circle and also backwards and in front of you, not only to aid their mobility but also to become more aware of the space around you. Lean backwards to flext your back- just be careful not to go further then you can as the idea is to get a sense of area rather then to push your spine too far out!

It goes without saying though, lack of balance can be a result of many inner ear issues and they can be dealt with or information which could really help you could be given so make sure it gets checked out by a medical person first.