Let’s Talk About Balance

BY ANDY FEIGUM, FITNESS DIR. AT ANYTIME FITNESS

Balance, or sense of equilibrium, comes from three separate systems (Visual, Proprioceptive, and Vestibular) working together to make a person feel steady on their feet. If any of these systems become compromised, a person’s sense of balance becomes compromised.

Visual feedback is the fastest way for the body to determined how it’s orientated related to other objects, that is, whether we’re upright or lying sideways. Proprioceptive feedback is delivered through physical means such as pressure on our feet while we are standing or moving, or when we bend our knees or elbows. Vestibular feedback is provided through mechanisms in the inner ear and as long as both sides are functioning properly, provide symmetrical information to the brain.

There are things that affect balance that can be difficult to offset, medications and medical conditions are common causes of impaired balance and may require specialized treatment. Age is the most common factor when it comes to feeling as though you are not as steady as you used to be, with reduced sense of stability beginning as early as mid-50s. A quick and easy way to test your balance is to stand on one foot, a good sense of balance will allow an individual to remain stable for at least 30 seconds with more than 60 seconds being the goal.

If you feel like your balance isn’t what it used to be, there are some simple exercises you can do to improve it. Find a safe place with something you can steady yourself, like a counter top or the back of a chair and stand on one foot for 30 seconds then switch feet and repeat for three to five rounds. Working on core strength with planks and plank variations can also help you feel more balanced by improving your ability to recover from a small stumble.

If you have any questions about how to improve your balance or just want to improve your overall quality of life, stop by the gym and let me know, I’m always happy to help!