How to Keep Your Balance in a Fast-Moving World
By Sandy Schroeder
It’s no fun to lose your balance. Kids fly off skateboards. Workers slip on steps. Walkers trip over sidewalk cracks, and seniors sometimes fall in their homes.
On the field or on the court, strong balance skills can help power a win. In the daily grind, energy and balance get the job done. For seniors, balance may be the difference between mobility and inactivity.
Wherever you are, keeping your balance in a busy world is crucial. If you, or your family members, have balance questions or concerns, stop by The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get immediate answers. The Joint’s licensed chiropractors are well equipped to find the best solutons.
Seeing Your Chiropractor
You may want to bring your whole family in to check out individual issues. Your chiropractor will ask about aches and pains, issues with balance, lifestyles and health history. A gentle targeted spinal adjustment may relieve aches and pain and create an improved sense of well-being. Many people say it is like turning a fresh page as they sleep better, have more energy, and feel more relaxed.
Weekly 15-minute spinal adjustments may keep everyone at their peak, and provide ways to help individuals work on balance issues. Your chiropractor can suggest classes and workouts to start. In each case, individuals should check with their doctor before beginning new exercises.
Harvard Health recommends these steps:
Walk, bike or climb stairs - Improve balance by strengthening the lower body muscles. A recumbent bike or a stair stepper may be a safe way to start for seniors who need work.
Loosen up - Start a stretching routine to relax tight muscles that can impact walking, posture and balance.
Consider yoga – Check out a class and talk to an instructor about goals. Yoga can strengthen and stretch tight muscles and improve balance.
Move with tai chi – In tai chi, individuals shift the weight gradually from one foot to the other, extend arms and legs, and rotate the body in gentle swaying movements that lift the spirit and improve balance. Most people leave smiling and usually come back.
Here’s a balance exercise to try at home.
Side leg lift – Stand behind a chair holding the back with both hands. Slowly lift the right leg out to the side about five inches off of the floor. Hold. Return to start and repeat with the left leg. Repeat 10 times.
Stop in at The Joint Chiropractic clinic near you to get started. Find out more about the affordable personal healthcare plans that require no insurance. Enjoy weekend and evening hours and walk-in visits. No appointments are needed.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Fayetteville, N.C.