10/06/2025
You will have heard of the phrase “use it or lose it” and this can very much apply to balance. You might think that balance is a problem for people in their 70’s and beyond but the truth is that small changes in your balance can be happening from the age of 50. This can be due to a variety of things such as muscle loss, slower reflexes, visual changes and some medications and health conditions.
If you are unfortunate enough to have a fall one of the biggest hurdles can be to regain confidence. Decreased confidence can lead to reduced activity, weaker muscles, and an increased fear of falling, creating a negative cycle.
We can all improve our balance by practising it daily at an appropriate level for us. We will all start from a different ability level so it is important to begin carefully – the best way is to start with an exercise that is not too challenging for you and work up from there.
Here are a couple of exercises to start with – if you are unsure where to start and want us to assess you do ring us on 01780763670
The exercises are best done in your bare feet and done every day
Level 1 Stand in a door way so that you can touch either side of the frame with your hands for stability. With your arms stretched out to the sides, slowly lift one foot a few inches off the ground and count to ten. Slowly lower it and do the same with the other foot.
Level 2 Level 1 too easy? Try lifting the knee to 90 degrees and keeping that position for a count of 15. You can also lower your arms.
Level 3 Still too easy? Well done! Try lifting the knee as in level 2 and the arms above your head for 30 seconds
