Improve your Balance with These 3 Exercises
Improve your Balance with These 3 Exercises
Balance is the basis for many functional movements in everyday living. An improved balance can make walking, stairs, and changing directions easier. Developing good balance can reduce fall and injury risk. Following these 3 simple exercises 3 times per week can improve hip and core strength, the foundation for balance.
Leg extensions
a. Stand facing a wall with feet hip distance, knees slightly bent
b. Extend one leg straight back, like you’re reaching the sole of your foot to the back of the room
c. Complete 10-15 on one side before switching legsSide steps
a. Stand with your feet together, knees slightly bent
b. Extend one leg to the side in a controlled manner, landing softly through the outer foot shoulder distance or further apart.
c. Move the other foot to join
d. Complete 10-15 steps in one direction before switching sidesKnee raises
a. Stand facing a wall with feet hip distance, knees slightly bent
b. Lift knee to waistline in a controlled path, squeezing the opposite glute to stabilize
c. Complete 10-15 on one side before switching legs
After a few weeks of completing these exercises regularly, you may be ready for a new challenge. Consult a personal trainer to progress each exercise.