Category: Good Balance

Why Having Good Balance Matters

Simple Exercises For Good Balance by Jennifer Ledford

Good balance is a function that doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. Good balance helps you stay upright, gives you the confidence to participate in the activities you enjoy, is important for your safety — and, as you age, affects your ability to live independently.

While “balance training” may not always sound as exciting as other types of exercise, having good balance helps you maintain your quality of life. That’s why it’s a good idea to incorporate balance exercises into your fitness routine… even if it’s just a few minutes a day.

In today’s video, I share two balance exercises you can use to help improve and/or maintain your balance.  Take a moment to watch the video and then try the exercise that fits your level of fitness.

Here’s to a long and balanced life!

Shared with Love,
Jennifer Ledford

 

Two simple exercises for good balance

 

How To Strengthen The Quads and Hip Flexors

How To Strengthen The Quads & Hip Flexors

When you hear the words “the core” the abdominal muscles are usually the first thing that will come to a person’s mind. While the abs are certainly a major player when it comes to supporting the trunk, there are other muscles that play an important role as well. One of these muscle groups is the hip flexors.

In today’s video I share a simple exercise that helps strengthen the quads and hip flexors. Strong hip flexors help keep your pelvis stable and your spine in proper alignment. Proper alignment helps you maintain good posture which will result in a leaner look. One of the easiest ways to look like you’ve lost a few pounds is to simply stand up straight!

I recommend you take a moment to watch the video and save it for future reference. The exercise doesn’t require any equipment so you can perform it almost anywhere which makes it really easy to fit into a busy day.

Here’s to a healthy, happy, and super fit week!

With Love,
Jennifer Ledford

How To Strengthen The Quads and Hip Flexors

Do You Have Good Balance?

The Importance of Good Balance

 

How would you rate your balance and/or ability to regain it in an emergency or while performing daily activities? Do you feel confident when you walk outside the home or go up and down stairs?

Balance literally impacts your quality of life. If you are afraid of falling, you risk missing out on things that you enjoy due to the fear. Good balance is also important for your safety — and as you age, affects your ability to live independently.

This past weekend, Matthew and I were blessed enough to be able to watch the Blue Angels from the small island we live on. It reminded me of the year we watched them perform from a boat in the middle of the bay.

What I’m about to share next is the important part of the story.

Training Your Brain

 

Some of the guests on the boat were retirement age. I watched them on the boat and noticed that they had great balance.  When we would hit a strong wave, they would regain their balance easily. No one ever fell!

It was a great example of how a recreational sport helped them continually train a necessary daily function. You see, they spend time on boats, and by doing so, they are constantly stimulating their nervous systems and training their muscles to react quickly. So by having fun they were also improving their balance.

Not sure if you’ve got good balance? Use a simple test. Try standing on one foot and counting to 10 (make sure you have something to hold on to if necessary).  See what happens.  If you can’t hold it for the full 10 seconds, you’ll want to improve your balance. The good news is, it’s easy!

It’s Never Too Late to Regain Good Balance

 

All it takes is adding some balance training a few minutes a day.  I’ve helped many clients overcome poor balance and fear of falling in their senior years.

If you haven’t been doing any balance work, you will want to start slowly for safety reasons. Try standing on a pillow on one foot. Remember to have something to hold on to if necessary, and make sure there is nothing sharp around you that you could fall on.

You will be surprised at how well your nervous system responds with some repetition! A 60 year old can have the balance of a 40 year old by keeping consistent with balance training.

If you know you have great balance then make sure you preserve it. Engage in activities that require you to move in different directions and challenge your stability. This will keep your nervous system trained for life!

Have a favorite balance exercise or a question? Please leave a comment below! I enjoy hearing from you!

Blessings to you and yours!

Jennifer