exercises for fall prevention and balance

Hello,

when I train older adults, I tend to start with lower body strengthening exercises after an appropriate assessment. Depending on the conditioning level of the client, I may move towards balance exercises such as split stances, one leg stands, step up exercises to different step heights.

When I progress to any balance exercises themselves, I create a very safe environment with bars on all sides to minimize the risk on one hand but also give the client a sense of security. I also try, if at all possible, to teach people how get up from the floor so that they have a strategy to do it if a fall has occurred.

I do not let the age itself guide my programming but the ability level. I have clients who may – chronologically – be classified as older adults but who enjoy challenges with Bosus and balls like people many years their juniors.

Karin Singleton
www.meltnc.com