3 days Ago By Paula Goodyer
Balance is something humans learn at a young age because we have to. The ability to stand, walk and maintain a general sense of mobility requires practice. But at some point in our lives, usually in our 30s, it starts to decline.
So when is a good time to work on your balance? Maybe when you’re 60-ish? How about 40? Director of the Biomechanics and Exercise Testing laboratory at the University of Newcastle, Professor Suzanne Snodgrass, says it is something we should aim to preserve, no matter what age we are. “Poor balance is a major risk factor for falls, especially in mid to late life when the number of falls triples,” she says. “Middle age is a crucial time for prevention.
” Maintaining or improving your balance significantly lessens your chances of falling as you age. Credit: Getty Images We might know how to stay fit by running or walking, and we might know how to stay strong by lifting weights. But how do you train for good balance? How about standing on one leg? It’s not that simple, says Snodgrass.
“You might become good at standing on one leg, but that might not mean much when you’re walking on uneven ground. That’s when you need good communication between the nerves in the soles of your feet and your brain,” she says. Balance is complex and relies on different systems in the body working well, including muscles, brain, inner ear and the sensations in your feet.
Loading “Good balance depends on a range of skills, not one type of exercise. Going to the gym might make you stronger or fitter but not do much for balance. We need a variety of movements including balance training, strengthening exercise and cardio exercise like running, walking or swimming because that’s good for the brain - and the brain is important for balance, too,” Snodgrass says.
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