Elaine

Do you tend to fall often? Do you notice that you are not as sure of yourself when you move as you used to be? Do you find yourself watching your feet when you walk? You might be losing your sense of balance.

Research shows that we start losing our sense of balance at about the age of 25.

I watched people walk down bleachers the other day & I was able to determine their age, just by how they executed the stairs. I split it up into two groups: those over 40 and those under. The over 40 were very meticulous where and how they placed each foot; they also watched their feet. The under crowd looked straight ahead and almost jogged down the bleachers. It really brought home to me how we can help ourselves not to lose the sense of balance and how important it is to us.

A common problem in older adults: falls. In older people falls are a major cause of broken hips and other injuries that often lead to disability and loss of independence.

Some balance exercises build up strength in your legs while others challenge your balance by requiring you to do simple activities like briefly standing on one leg.

Try walking in a straight line heel to toe. Make sure as you are walking that your back foots toes touch the front foots heel. Do this very slowly and with control.

While you are waiting in a line, try standing on one foot and then on the other; lifting the opposite foot slightly off the floor.

The way you can get your balance back or improve it is to challenge it!!

This article is submitted by Bonnie Murphy, Master Fitness by Phone Coach and Certified Intuitive Eating Coach. Questions? Call 907.646.4076. Email: bonnie@bfitandwell.com. Website: http://www.bfitandwell.com. I have discovered a system called the Ultimate Phone Coaching Program that guarantees weight loss and exercise adherence. To sign up for my monthly e-newsletter please go to my website: http://www.bfitandwell.com