When I was younger, I climbed in and out of windows, on ledges and walls, mainly because I could. I knew what
my body could do and just followed my impulses. As I age, my balance is not what it was so I am less adventurous.
Balance is a state of body equilibrium. Poor balance takes away our feeling of poise and steadiness. Weakened
muscles or medical complications, as well as side effects from medications can contribute to a lack of balance. Good
news: we can “train” our bodies for better balance.
Several systems work together to create balance. Visually – we see an obstacle, adjust position and go around it.
Inner ear nerves help our brain know our body position. Even skin, joints, ligaments, muscles, etc. send signals to
our brain. Those signals give position, orientation, and movement; allowing our brain to create a dynamic, ever-
changing road map for planned and reflexive movement.
Balance disorders can interfere with our maps and the old saying, “use it or lose it” is very true when it comes to
balance. We have to be active to prevent an erosion of skills. Good posture uses the same muscles needed for
balance and can be practiced anytime, anywhere.
Adults and senior adults need at least 150 minutes of physical exercise per week. Balance exercises can and should
be performed daily. These exercises can be done at home with minimal equipment and many can be incorporated
into our regular routines. Ten minutes per day is enough to benefit.
For more information on balance and incorporating exercise into your life, contact the Garland County Cooperative
Extension Service for our fact sheets: Get Fit in 10. Extension also offers a low-cost exercise program for adults,
Extension Get Fit.
Volunteer-led groups meet weekly to improve core strength and balance. Visit www.uaex.edu/counties/garland/ or
call 501-623-6841. Like us on Facebook @ garlandEGF or GarlandFCS.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland Count Extension Service. The Arkansas
Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin,
religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
