Lower body strength improves balance, reduces falls and allows for greater mobility as humans
age. If you’re having difficulty walking or maintaining your balance, it’s
important to work on your strength and balance.
The National
Institutes of Health recommends seniors work on their balance – even when
balance isn’t a concern – to age without losing mobility.
Proper, easy exercises geared towards increased balance and
strength include:
1. Side Leg Raises
Side leg raises help build the hip muscles which are a major
proponent of balance. These exercises can be modified with a table, chair or a walking aid. If you have
balance issues, ensure that you hold onto a surface or bar that is snug and
won’t fall over.
You never want to fall and risk potential injury when
performing balance exercises.
So, if needed, stand behind your chair or hold onto your
walking aid and:
·
Lift one leg to the side (6 – 12 inches)
·
Maintain a straight back
·
Hold for 2 – 5 seconds
·
Lower the leg slowly
·
Repeat on the other side
Do several sets of 8 – 15 repetitions. If the exercise is
too easy, add ankle weights as necessary to further build muscle.
2. Hip Extension
The lower back and buttocks are important muscles to work.
Good balance comes from the core (abdominals and back) as well as the buttocks.
Ankle weights can be added if this exercise is too easy, but start off without
ankle weights first and progress as necessary,
You’ll want to stand near a chair or table with your feet
slightly apart. Stand a foot to a foot-and-a-half away from the chair.
Hold onto the chair, walking aid or table. Now, you’ll:
·
Bend to a 45-degree angle
·
Lift one leg backward, keeping the knee straight
·
Point the toes or bend forward further
·
Hold for 1 – 2 seconds
·
Lower the leg
·
Repeat
Repeat the exercise on the opposing leg for 8 – 15
repetitions for each leg.
If you can’t perform this exercise while standing, you can
switch to a floor version, which may be safer depending on your mobility
level. YouTube has a
great video on proper form and execution of a glute kickback, which is similar.
3. Hip Flexion
Proper hip flexion allows the foot to leave the floor and go
up a step, for example. These small muscles are often overlooked in the gym,
and they can be performed sitting or standing. We’ll discuss how to perform hip
flexion exercises while standing.
You’ll use the same table or chair for added balance as
discussed earlier.
·
Stand erect with your back straight
·
Bend one knee slowly to your chest (as far as
you can go comfortably)
·
Hold the position for 1 – 2 seconds
·
Slowly lower the foot to the floor
·
Repeat on the opposing leg
Again, you can add ankle weights if needed. You can do this
exercise seated, too. Keep the back against a chair while performing this
version of the exercise.
Perform 10 – 15 repetitions on each leg for 3 or 4 sets for
best results.
