Active Stretching And Senior Balance Exercises

Active Stretches And Senior Balance Exercises

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

  To stay both limber and mobile, older adults would benefit from fitness programs that include active stretching and  senior balance exercises . Please see  http://www.exerciseforbalance.com/buy-now Joint stiffness and muscle tightness is a natural process of aging. With stiff joints and tight muscles, however, aging individuals are at a higher risk for falling since they can not accommodate changes in terrain. Various terrain can include anything from a one to two inch lip on a throw rug in the home, uneven surfaces on a hiking trail, sloping grass on a golf course or moguls on a ski run. As a result, older adults are encouraged to continue with an ongoing stretching program in conjunction with certain balance exercises. According to some exercise leaders, one effect type of stretching program involves active stretches rather than passive stretches.  Within our muscles, there are cells that communicate with the brain about how tight or how relaxed the muscle is at any time. When we passively stretch a muscle, those cells send a signal that the fibers are being stretched, and if they are stretched too far, that cell sends a signal saying “STOP! CONTRACT!”. This is a protective response so that the muscle isn’t pulled too far causing fiber damage. In a pandiculation-- active stretch, because of the action of contracting the muscle before lengthening, this cell is overridden with another communication, telling the nervous system “it’s okay, I’m in control”. Active stretching, therefore, can lead to quality lengthening of the tissue, which is needed for ultimate mobility and stability.

Stretches For Senior Balance Exercises

   There are several specific lower extremity stretches that can be performed to optimize  senior balance exercises. as an example, to maximize an equilibrium program to enhance steadiness and reduce the risk of falling among senior citizens, you can begin with certain active stretches first. To lengthen the calf muscles, which are critical for good balance, start by contracting your calf muscles  (like pushing down on the gas pedal in a car). Follow that contraction by puling your toes up towards your shin. After this active stretching regime, you can follow that up with detailed senior balance exercises geared to improve stability. To learn which senior balance exercises to perform and how to practice them, follow the instruction of a qualified Physical Therapist in the Exercise For Balance DVD.

Senior Balance Exercises In The Exercise For Balance DVD

    To maximize balance abilities, initiate a program of active stretches and the best balance exercises with the Exercise For Balance DVD. The healthcare professional recommended Exercise For Balance DVD is an excellent educational DVD to use at home or in a group setting. The easy to understand and to follow Exercise For Balance DVD includes  a step by step series of up to date balance and strength exercises necessary to optimize senior fitness and to perform basic daily activities like shopping, doing laundry,  walking, standing, cleaning house, stair climbing or to advance to more difficult activities like skiing, dancing, bocce ball and hiking. In the  comprehensive Exercise For Balance DVD, you will learn how to improve stability, steadiness techniques and balance routines from a  qualified balance specialist --- licensed Physical Therapist---who has worked with balance and dizziness disorders for over 25 years. Get your copy of the Exercise For Balance DVD by clicking on the BUY NOW button

 Be flexible and safe with 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/