Balance is one in every of those senses we frequently take without any consideration – until we lose it.
In our 50s and 60s, we may notice that our bodies feel less stable. Gradual changes related to aging — corresponding to muscle wasting, lack of flexibility, slower reflexes, deteriorating vision, and even certain medical conditions and medications — can affect our sense of balance.
Poor balance often results in falls, which may cause head injuries and other disabilities. Hip fractures, specifically, can result in serious health complications and threaten independence.
How Walking Can Help Balance
The excellent news is you could improve your balance with easy, on a regular basis activities. For example, walking is a terrific solution to construct lower-body strength—a crucial component of maintaining good balance.
Not only is walking a protected and accessible type of exercise for most individuals, it also contributes to your aerobic activity goals while helping you stay in your feet.
How to begin running
- A well-designed walking plan should safely and steadily increase your physical activity, specializing in minutes quite than miles.
- If you are recent to exercise, start slow and regular. Use a cane or walker if needed, and as you construct strength and confidence, steadily add more minutes to your walk.
- If you are already energetic, select a walking plan that matches your current fitness level and adjust as needed. If that feels too easy, challenge yourself by increasing your time, distance, or adding hills. Aim for at the least 150 minutes of walking each week.
- For those that find walking particularly difficult on account of health issues, consulting with a physician or physical therapist can show you how to explore alternative options.
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