Balance: The Exercise Science Approach

Stay up, stay safe

Image

The Plan for Today

Ever stumbled and caught yourself, or perhaps even had a minor fall? Our amazing bodies are constantly working to keep us upright... until it doesn’t. Good balance allows us to move freely and confidently, and like any skill, it can be trained and improved.

Contact Now
Image

Our visual system provides information about our surroundings. When we stand still, our eyes help us perceive if we are swaying.

Image

Located in our inner ear, our vestibular system detects where we are relative to gravity - going up/down, turning, rotating, and stopping.

Image

Sensory receptors in our muscles, joints, and tendons tell our brain what our body is doing. Try touching your nose with your eyes closed!

Image

Other factors impacting balance include compromised eyesight, inappropriate footwear, and side effects from certain medications.

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

I have heard that grip strength can predict falls risk. How are they related?

Grip strength reflects overall low muscle mass, also known as sarcopenia, and thus provides indication of overall health and increased falls risk. Incorporating strength training to improve overall muscle mass can reduce falls risk.

Is it normal to feel wobbly sometimes, especially with age?

Can you help me figure out more?