Balancing exercises helps in improving the balance of our body. Quite often, we see that many people do not include balance exercises in their daily exercise program, but we should know the fact that good balance is also an important part of our healthy lifestyle. The main reason, why these balancing exercises are not included in workout is that these exercises show very less impact on how our body looks. Instead, they help in effective body movements.
As we grow older, it is common tendency that we lose our body balance and also that in certain medical conditions, we lose our body balance. This may result in falling (resulting in fractures), or difficulty in walking. Balancing exercises are perfect solution for such situations.
Let us see some balancing exercises
- Stand on one of your feet and count up to 8. Repeat it for 8 to 10 times. Now do it with another foot. When you that you are pretty stable, stretch your raised leg forward and point your toe. Repeat the same with another foot.
- Raise your arms and walk heel to toe for at least six steps in each direction.
- Another good balancing is raising your leg sideways. Stand straight (take the support of chair by holding it in case, if you are unable to stand stable) and raise one of your leg up to 10 inches and count 8. Do it for 8 to 10 times. Now repeat it with second leg.
- Take a walk in straight path with one foot in front of the other. While taking each step, lift your back foot and hold it for a second before continuing your walk. Walk at least 20 steps and then reverse.
Balancing Exercises for Elderly People
For strengthening your hip muscles: With the help of a chair or table stand straight and raise one of your legs upwards. Hold your leg for a second and then slowly lower it to normal position. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat the same with second leg. Repeat it for 8 to 10 times with altering legs. Make sure to keep your back straight while doing the exercise. When you get habituated with this exercise add weights to weights to your ankles for increasing resistance.
For strengthening your thigh muscles: With the help of a chair or table stand straight and raise one of your legs sideways up to 6 to 10 inches, keeping your straight and your toes pointed forwards. Hold your leg for 10 seconds and then slowly lower it to normal position. Rest for 5 seconds and repeat the same with second leg. Repeat it for 8 to 10 times with altering legs.
For strengthening your ankles: With the help of a chair or table stand straight and raise yourself slowly on your toe tips, rising as high as possible. Hold in this position for 5 seconds and then slowly lowering yourself normal position. Take a rest of 5 seconds and repeat it for another 8 to 10 times.