By Meghan Streit
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

It is a well-known reality that balance and strength can begin to decrease with age. But the good news is that you can take steps to improve your balance and stability—drastically reducing the risk of falling.

In addition to regular physical activity, older adults can also practice exercises designed to build balance, strength, and flexibility. That is the idea behind the “Fallproof! Balance & Mobility Training” class offered by Monarch Landing’s fitness center. On-site fitness specialist Antonio Galvan says the class is scientifically shown to improve balance and mobility and reduce the risk of falls.

“[This class] offers you an opportunity to maintain the fullest possible participation in life’s activities with less fear of injury,” Galvan says.

Low impact—important results
In the one-hour sessions, Galvan leads participants through low-impact exercises such as slowly walking backwards, balancing on one foot, and stretching the legs. He says the movements help to improve postural alignment, stability, and walking ability. Another goal of the class is to build participants’ confidence in their own strength and balance and to raise their awareness of the risk factors and circumstances that can lead to falls.

Galvan says the response from residents who have completed the course has been “very positive.”

“It’s a fun class that is very effective for their needs,” he says. “They feel it helps them with their activities of daily living, and they feel more comfortable and confident in situations where they might have previously been hesitant.”

A personalized fitness routine
Monarch Landing resident Judy Meydrech recently attended her first Fallproof class, which she hopes will help her improve balance to avoid falling.