Movement Tools-Balance
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I shared here how important Balance Training is to incorporate as we age. While just standing on one foot while you brush your teeth is a great place to start, you may want to up your game as you get more comfortable with that. You can start closing your eyes while you stand on one foot. Why would that make a difference you ask? Closing your eyes makes it harder to balance on one foot because it removes visual input, which is one of the three main systems your body uses to maintain balance:
1. Visual system – Your eyeballs help you understand your position in space relative to your surroundings. When you close them, your brain loses a significant source of orientation.
2. Vestibular system – Located in your inner ear, it senses motion, head position, and spatial orientation. It’s still working when your eyes are closed, but it relies on the other systems for accuracy. And yes I had to look this one up.
3. Proprioceptive system – This involves sensors in your muscles and joints that tell your brain where your body parts are. It’s what lets you touch your nose with your eyes closed. Your proprioceptor muscles are all the little helper muscles that keep you balanced.
Now don’t be dumb, open your eyes if you start to fall over or have something close by like a bathroom counter so you can put your hands down if you need to.
Once you progress you can add balance tools to keep pushing your skills. Definitely keep your eyes open when you’re using any of the tools below. Here are a few of my favorites.
-Bosu Balance Trainer*-This can be used in so many ways for balance and strength
-ProSource Fit Balance Mat*-Probably the safest place to start upping your balance game
-TheraBand Stability Discs*-These are great because you can put one foot on each for a beginner-level
-ProBody Exercise Ball*-This is a great way to improve your core strength to help with balance. Oh, it’s super fun. Win win.
-ProSource Wobble Board*-This one is no joke so be careful but it is also really helpful in working on your ankle mobility and proprioreception
Have you tried any of these?
