Strengthening muscles and keeping joints strong can help us age successfully (and healthy) and help prevent falls or decreases in mobility. This is important because as we age, we tend to lose muscle strength, muscle size, and joint flexibility. This leaves you at risk of falling and even hurting yourself.
No one wants to lose their independence and physical ability as they get older. This is a stage in life where you get to enjoy retirement and years of hard work. You should be able to travel, play with grandchildren, and indulge guilt-free in hobbies. You don’t want to worried about whether or not you can do what you love, especially since this will prevent you from living life to the fullest.
The key to avoiding the not so nice side of aging is to stay active and participate in weekly exercises that keep your muscles and bones healthy. Be sure to speak to your doctor or physiotherapist first to make sure these exercises are safe for you.
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Balance Training
A great exercise to help improve balance is standing on one leg. When we walk, run or climb up and down stairs, we spend most of our time in a single leg stance (on one leg).
Therefore, practicing balancing on one foot will help to keep you upright and feeling confident when out for walks. Make sure to stand close to a wall or chair just in case you lose your balance. As your balance improves, make sure to continue making your balance exercises more challenging.