Article and illustrations by Roseatta Long, CPT
Roseatta Long is a Hamilton/Dundas based Fitness Coach and Pilates mat instructor who specializes in older adult fitness.
Walking is a balancing act. You pick one foot up and move it in front of the other. Yup, look at you standing on one leg! Here’s the truth about balance, we must practice it in order to maintain it.
Give these a try today
- Walk super crazy slow for five minutes. How slow can you go without being tippy?
- As you prepare food or do the dishes at the kitchen counter (put down that knife please), pick one foot up off the floor. How long can you maintain it?
Now close your eyes. Right!?! Not as easy as you might think. - If your lower back is okay, try putting your shoe on by standing on one leg (no rounding your shoulders or back). Keep the core engaged.
- Narrow your stance and walk heel to toe slowly across the room. Too easy? Put your arms above your head.
- Step outside and walk along the curb of the sidewalk.
- Try standing on one leg, find your balance and hinge forward from the hip. Extend your arms in front of you, keeping your shoulders down and your back straight. Hold it, hold it and breathe. Now you’re doing Yoga! Look where this went!
Have fun with it and incorporate it into your day.
If your balance is compromised, all of the above exercises should be done next to a wall or in a corner. Standing by the kitchen counter is always good.
Always consult with your doctor before engaging in any new exercise routine, especially if you have any joint or health issues.
You can contact Roseatta Long, rbodies at www.rbodies.com or follow her on www.instagram.com/rbodies.
Read her first article in this series: Using action fractions: Grab your mobile…and get mobile!
