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Balance Exercises for Seniors

Why should I care about my balance?

Balance exercises for seniors can have an immediate impact on the health and well being of the actively aging. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2013:

  • There were 2.5 million emergency room visits for nonfatal falls in the 65 and over age bracket; over 700,000 of these visits resulted in hospitalization.
  • The direct cost of these falls was estimated to be $34 billion.
  • 20-30% of these falls will result in moderate injuries that keep the active aging from being mobile and inhibit physical fitness.

From 9 months to 90 years balancing while walking, even though the simple obstacle course of a living room, is vital. Given the statistics above, it is important for the actively aging to increase their balance-ability. In addition, trampoline exercise for seniors is a great way to not only increase balance, but strength and muscle training as well.

Examples of balance exercises for seniors

The Basic Balance

  • Stand up straight with your feet a few inches apart. Put your arms over your head palms touching.
  • Lift your right foot a few inches off the floor, balancing on your left leg. Hold this for as long as you can. 5 secs is a good start; aim for 30.
  • Lower your foot to the starting position.
  • Repeat with your left leg. This completes one rep.
  • If you can, repeat once or twice more
  • Looking for a challenge?  Try it on a JumpSport Fitness Trampoline!

 

Advanced Trampoline Balance

  • Get on your JumpSport Fitness Trampoline, standing comfortably with your feet a few inches a part. If you have a handle bar, position yourself with the handle bar on your left side.
  • Put your arms straight out, then lift your right leg straightening it out in front of you while slightly bending your left knee. Hold this for as long as you can. 5 secs is a good start; aim for 30.
  • Lower your right foot to the starting position. If you have the handle, turn 180 degrees of the handle is now on your right side.
  • Repeat with your left leg. This completes one rep.
    If you can, repeat 5 times.

 

Looking for more balance exercises for seniors?

Learn to engage your core and enhance your posture with our Functional Balance Training Workout (DVD or streaming online). Kara and Michelle will guide you through an energizing warm up, a unique sequence of static holds and dynamic functional movements before cooling down with revitalizing stretches. Integrating this workout into your exercise routine will help you develop the functional balance so integral in everyday movements and improved fitness. Check out our full series of new workouts ›


Functional Balance Training Workout DVD