We don’t tend to notice a decline in our balance until it is challenged in some way and often that might be too late!
If we are lucky, we will first begin to notice how walking on tougher terrain might be slightly harder than last time we attempted it. Thats understandable and ideally a wake up call to the fact that, especially if we sit down a lot, it could even tougher next time we try it!
The good news is that the more we challenge our balance and work to keep the systems in our body that support it in good condition….. the longer we will avoid the risk of falling as we age.
So, today I rejoiced that the walk I chose was on uneven ground peppered with tree roots that I had to navigate around or over. These changes in direction and need to stand on one leg at certain points are all part of my balance practice!
The steep camber on one of the paths was uncomfortable at times but hey, it made me adjust my posture and think about my balance. As did the odd steps cut into the hill I climbed which were not uniform like a staircase but a mix of shallow and deep step ups. On some I hovered before planting the leading leg just to work the supporting leg a bit harder. On the descent, I turned to the side slightly to protect my knees from taking all my weight and deliberately skipped lightly from leg to leg.
(When I use poles on the downhills, I lean backwards and plant them behind me to help with this too)
Even on urban walks, I try to entertain and challenge myself in equal measure – If I see a white line ( and no one’s is looking) I sometimes do the breathalyser test and walk along it placing one foot in front of the other – it’s a great drill for balance. Similarly, if you are with others, it is a good idea to close your eyes for a few steps if possible as this also challenges your balance
In the image above the Total body walking Instructor is asking the class to do something similar but also perform a lunge move for strength!!
In the UK we also have stiles (pictured) which are designed to help a walker climb a fence without disturbing livestock. We have so many styles of stiles (excuse the pun) that one of my colleagues Sam, even does a workshop on how to climb them. That’s because they often require strength, balance, agility and a good range of movement.
As I age I try hard to embrace rather than avoid these things because every choice I make to make a walk easier could be a choice towards only walking on flat paths close to home before I am ready to settle for that!!
