According to the National Institute on Aging, more than one third of seniors fall every year. Falls are serious events for older individuals, and performing balance exercises can help you maintain your stability. Always have a strong support...
Exercises to improve balance and gracefulness can protect both your body and spirit by lowering your risks of appearing clumsy, tipsy and out of control. As part of a well-rounded fitness program, exercises strengthen your muscles, enhance...
Despite the graceful and fluid motions of dancers who make ballet look so effortless, the dance is very physically demanding. These dancers practice for hours every day, perfecting every single move. Ballet dancers have to constantly condition...
Every ballerina dreams of dancing the part of the Black Swan, famous for her 32 consecutive fouettes. First, you must learn the basic turns, starting with the pirouette. As in all ballet, lift and posture is the most important part of the step,...
Balance is the fundamental fitness component that underlies all forms of movement. The term functional balance, also called dynamic equilibrium, describes the interplay between a balanced and imbalanced state. All of your daily activity, from...
If your child is affectionately known as "the fall guy" from multiple trips and falls, balance exercises might help. Do exercises that challenge the child's balance in ways they are unaccustomed to improve their ankle, hip and trunk balance...
Lateral exercises enter United States Dressage Federation competitive tests in First Level, but savvy dressage riders will introduce them as soon as the horse understands basic under-saddle work. By using lateral movements in your training...
For persons over the age of 75, accidents are the sixth leading cause of death, and falls are the leading factor in those accidents, according to the Ohio State University Extension office. Balance declines as you age because of several factors...
Paraplegia refers to the loss of muscle below the waist. Being wheelchair-bound does not separate you from your peers when it comes to the importance of fitness. You must still work your cardiovascular system, build lean muscle and work on balance...
Balance is your ability to maintain your center of gravity with proper body alignment, whether you are standing on two feet or one foot. Static balance is maintaining your balance in a stationary position, while dynamic balance, is maintaining...
Your brain controls movement and balance through the cerebellum. The cerebellum helps you balance by reacting to signals sent to it by your muscles. You can sense this by standing on one foot for awhile. Odds are you will shake a little bit...
Balance, joint stability and proprioception, which is your body's ability to transmit a sense of position and react accordingly, belong to same same family of fitness traits. Conditions that challenge your proprioceptive ability include ice or...
As people age, they tend to decrease their levels of physical activity. This causes muscles to atrophy, joints to stiffen and bones to lose density. According to Elder Gym Senior Fitness, other factors that lead to decreased balance include spinal...
If you've been feeling dizzy or noticed changes in your balance, don't dismiss it. Balance problems may develop due to age; neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis, a stroke or Parkinson's disease; diabetes; inner-ear disorders; foot...
Athletes need more than just strength and stamina to excel at their sport. They also need strong balance skills to help them make quick adjustments on the field, control their movements precisely and avoid injury. Developing balance simultaneously...
Balance is an important aspect for all athletes, helping them move faster and quickly change directions while maintaining stability. "The American Journal of Sports Medicine" reports that incorporating balance training into a conditioning program...
Developing the balance required for fencing requires constant practice and consistent discipline. The ability to recover from a lunge requires skill, timing and coordination. Basic fencing drills help you develop footwork, but special exercises...
As you age, your body becomes more susceptible to gaining weight. Your metabolism slows and fat accumulation increases, particularly in the abdominal area, due in part to the loss of muscle mass. These changes increase your risk of heart disease,...
Reducing your risk of falling is very important as you get older or if you have low bone density. There are many simple exercises that you can do to improve your balance and lower your chances of taking a fall. Most balance exercises are simple...
You rely on your balance to keep your upright and stable while performing even the most basic of activities, such as standing, sitting and walking. Many people take balance for granted, but just like any other skill, practice makes perfect. While...
Balance disorders are often the result of a head injury or trauma. You may have difficulty maintaining balance and stability, feel dizzy or even like you're floating or spinning, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other...
According to the National Institutes of Health, more than 15,000 Americans live with Huntington's Disease and over 150,000 may have a 50-percent risk of inheriting the affected gene. Normally developed at a later age, signs and symptoms have shown...
Flatting your stomach is not just something you do to look good, it is also beneficial for your health. The abdominal muscles are part of the body's core. According to the Mayo Clinic, core exercises improve balance, posture and strength. Adding...
Sideslipping is an effective snowboarding exercise that helps to improve your edge awareness and board control. Going straight after practicing the sideslipping technique will allow you to regain any lost momentum. According to...
Good balance helps prevent falls and injuries in the older population and people with compromised balance. Others who are particularly interested in improving their balance include athletes, dancers and martial arts practitioners. Good balance...
The feet propel the body during movement, absorb shock and provide balance. When any of the more than 100 muscles in the foot become weak, pain, fallen arches, imbalances and injuries can develop. Weak plantar foot muscles can lead to a condition...
Osteoporosis is a condition that affects women after menopause who have decreased hormone production and calcium intake. The National Osteoporosis Foundation says weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises are crucial for building and...
Having good balance can keep you safe and sure-footed, preventing falls and ensuring future independence. Balance is affected by muscular strength and endurance. Performing balance-specific training exercises can improve your balance following an...
Osteopenia, or low bone density, puts you at risk for developing osteoporosis. Different factors can affect your bone density, including age, genetics, body size and certain medical conditions. Although osteopenia and osteoporosis are most often...
Improve your bicep curls by doing them on a balance ball trainer. Learn how to do bicep curls on a balance ball with tips from a fitness instructor in this free balance exercise video.
The bicycle is a great exercise for any water aerobics routine. Learn how to do the bicycle in water with expert fitness tips in this free exercise video.