Are You Afraid of Falling?

As the years go by and we “act like adults” as we have been encouraged to do, we no longer take part in activities that require us to hop, skip, tumble, roll, run and swing like we did when we were kids on the playground or in the yard.  Because we no longer participate in activities that require balance, we lose strength, coordination and response time.  The ability to remain in equilibrium (or stay upright) while interacting with our environment is the very definition of balance.

Here’s a quick test to see if you have good balance or if you need to improve it.  Stand next to a high-back chair or counter.  Lift one foot off of the floor and hold it up as long as possible.  Try the test on both sides.  Sometimes one side will be better than the other.  If you can stand straight, not wobble and hold it for 60 seconds or more, you have great balance.  If you have to touch the chair or hold on to it, if you have to keep putting your foot down to stabilize yourself, or if you are unable to lift your foot off the floor, you should probably think about doing some exercises to help strengthen your balance muscles so that you can greatly reduce your risk of falling.

Aging-related risk factors for falling (decreased muscle strength/endurance, poor posture, slower reaction time, loss of joint flexibility and mobility, poor circulation, fear of falling) can be reduced or REVERSED with the proper amount and kind of exercise.

To start becoming better balanced, regain your confidence, and improve your chances of staying upright, enlist the help of a certified personal trainer.  In Chandler, Arizona, Julia Johnson with Life in Motion Fitness is certified in Balance Training for Older Adults and will come to your home to take you safely through a program designed to improve your balance.  No matter your age today, you can greatly benefit from starting a supervised exercise plan.

Julia also designs exercise programs to help you attain many other goals you may have for your health and fitness. She specifically offers in-home fitness sessions in Ocotillo, Gilbert, Mesa and Sun Lakes, AZ, for your convenience.  Call for your FREE consultation, 480.264.9567. You may also visit her website for more information www.LifeInMotionFitness.com  Don’t ignore the fact that having good balance is very important. You don’t have to be afraid of falling!