Ankle Strength And Senior Balance Exercises

Ankle Strength Is Critical For Senior Balance Exercises

By Suzanne Stoke, Physical Therapist @ Exercise For Balance via www.exerciseforbalance.com

   Maintaining adequate lower extremity strength is essential to complete a full series of senior balance exercises in order to improve balance and reduce the incidence of falling. Please see   http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Medical researchers have known that having good leg strength is essential for maintaining foundational balance abilities during challenged gait activities. For the most part, research studies have emphasized strengthening the anterior thigh muscles (Quadriceps). The Quadriceps muscles are important for functional activities like getting out of a chair or going up and down stairs safely. More recently, however, medical researchers have focused on strengthening the muscles around the ankles ( Gastrocnemius and Anterior Tibialis) to determine their impact on improving steadiness in senior citizens. Researchers have found that having strong calf muscles translates to heightened control over shifting ones body weight as well as increased speed and strength of the balance reactions at the feet and ankles, which correlate to improved stability. Researchers noticed that strengthening ankle muscles not only help to maximize steadiness on flat, even surface, but also on soft and uneven surfaces like thick carpet and grass. As a result, medical researchers and healthcare providers like doctors, physical therapists, occupational therpists and nurses all recommend to include lower leg strengthening routines with senior balance exercises.

Add Leg Strengthening Routines To Senior Balance Exercises

    Medical researchers aND HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS AGREE THAT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO COMBINE LEG STRENGTHENING ROUTINES WITH SENIOR Balance exercises TO maximize balance abilities and limit any potential for falling. Now, medical researchers have fine tuned the debate to say that emphasizing ankle strengthening exercises must be included in all leg strengthening programs to achieve the optimal benefits. One example of ankle strengthening exercises involves standing with your feet shoulder width a part and raising up on your toes, with your heels off the floor. You can repeat this sequence twenty times a day to build strength in the muscles in the back of your calf (Gastrocnemius). You can progress your balance abilities by performing this routine near a counter or table but not holding on. By not holding on, you will simultaneously challenge your balance reactions and develop better stability. YOu can learn these strengthening exercises and senior balance exercises by following the direction of a knowledgeable Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To further your balance skills, please begin the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The professionally filmed Exercise For Balance DVD is an exceptional educational DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The Exercise For Balance DVD comes complete with the best balance and strength exercises needed to enhance senior fitness and to perform basic activities like cleaning house, walking, standing, stair climbing or to advance to high level activities like dancing, skiing and hiking. In the comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve balance, steadiness techniques and balance routines from a balance instructor --licensed Physical Therapist-- who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 20 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

     For best results, start strength and balance exercises today with the Exercise For Balance DVD to improve balance and prevent falls.
For more information see http://www.mayoclinic.com/health-information/