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By Jason Greenspan
Why Spend Precious Time Improving Your Balance?
Every year, one in three adults 65 and older falls at least once. Forty percent of people that fall and fracture a hip will die within one year. That is a pretty scary statistic. However, in one year alone falls cause 2.2 million nonfatal injuries serious enough to merit a trip to the emergency room.
At any age, poor balance can cause falls. According to the National Institute of Health, eight million people report persistent balance problems.
Another alarming statistic according to the National Council on Aging is that every 15 seconds an older adult is treated for a fall.
Why Do We Lose Balance As We Get Older?
There are many reasons for a decline in overall balance. The first is the obvious. We tend to adopt a sedentary lifestyle as we age. It goes back to the “use it or lose it” principle; the more move and participate in activities that require balance, the more efficient your nervous system becomes at communicating with the rest of the body to help maintain balance.
There are other factors that can contribute to a fall such as certain medications, visual or hearing loss and the lack of ability to feel the ground with your feet, which can be common is you suffer from diabetes or have neuropathy. Balance can also suffer if you had a stroke or suffer from any neurological disease like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease. In addition if you suffer from an orthopedic issue such as a foot/ankle or a hip and knee problem, balance will be comprised. And of course, muscle weakness around the foot, ankle, hip , abdominals and back can also put you at risk for a fall.
How To Prevent A Fall?
While some of the above issues may not be preventable, most falls can be prevented by incorporating a few changes in your life. The most important way to decrease your risk froma fall is to parcipate in a regular exercise program that focus on key elements to help improve balance.
A good balance program will focus on static balance exercises, dynamic balance exercises, overall strength of the foot/ankle and core, in addition to various mobility, coordination and agility drills. Maintaining good posture, flexibility and proper walking mechanics can also help prevent a fall.
See the full Silver Stars class schedule here.
Balance classes are on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. and Fridays at 11.
Also, try not to multitask and slow down as a lot of falls occur when we’re not paying attention or moving too fast. And make sure your home is clutter free and fall proof.
At Silver Stars Fitness, we offer balance and fall prevention classes, in addition to private training that is focused on improving balance.
If you feel your balance has been declining or want to be pro-active in preventing a fall, we can help you.
Silver Stars is a private studio that caters and specializes in working with men and women over the age of 50.
Our instructors are experienced and certified baby boomer and beyond fitness specialist’s, in addition to being certified balance instructors.
At Silver Stars, our goal is to accomplish your goal! We do this not only by offering a very high standard in fitness instruction, but just as important, we provide all of our clients and members with accountability to help accomplish goals.
If you want to improve your balance, avoid injury, lose weight or just increase your overall fitness level, please contact us for your free comprehensive consultation.
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Silver Stars Fitness
850 7th Avenue, Suite 305
New York, NY 10019
646-573-9724
info@silverstarsfit.com
www.silverstarsfit.com
