Balance is considered one of those senses we regularly take with no consideration – until we lose it.
In our 50s and 60s, we may notice that our bodies feel less stable. Gradual changes related to aging — equivalent to muscle wasting, lack of flexibility, slower reflexes, deteriorating vision, and even certain medical conditions and medications — can affect our sense of balance.
Poor balance often results in falls, which might cause head injuries and other disabilities. Hip fractures, specifically, can result in serious health complications and threaten independence.
How Walking Can Help Balance
The excellent news is you could improve your balance with easy, on a regular basis activities. For example, walking is an incredible technique to construct lower-body strength—a very important component of maintaining good balance.
Not only is walking a protected and accessible type of exercise for most individuals, it also contributes to your aerobic activity goals while helping you stay in your feet.
How to start out walking
- A well-designed walking plan should safely and progressively increase your physical activity, specializing in minutes fairly than miles.
- If you are recent to exercise, start slow and regular. Use a cane or walker if needed, and as you construct strength and confidence, progressively add more minutes to your walk.
- If you are already lively, select a walking plan that matches your current fitness level and adjust as needed. If that feels too easy, challenge yourself by increasing your time, distance, or adding hills. Aim for not less than 150 minutes of walking each week.
- For those that find walking particularly difficult on account of health issues, consulting with a health care provider or physical therapist can provide help to explore alternative options.
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