Keeping Your Balance

When you exercise you may focus on how certain routines will improve your strength, help you lose weight, or even make you more flexible. But for many of us, balance is an overlooked component of our workout plan. It is an important part of overall fitness though, especially for those of us over 50. "Improving balance is important for overall fitness and everyday activities simply because it increases overall movement function," Robbie Ann Darby a certified personal trainer in New York City. Age related muscle loss is a factor. In addition, falls are a major cause of injury or even death in older adults. Improving balance can lower your risk of a painful fall.

Incorporating some basic balance exercises into your normal workout routine is neither difficult nor time consuming. Balance is something many of us take for granted, but everyone can benefit from improving it. Balance training exercises strengthen core muscles and improve stability, making you lighter on your feet. 

Here are seven basic balance exercises that you can add to your routine. They require no special equipment and can be done by people of all ages.