Falling Into Fall- Preventing Falls

Preventing falls isn’t just about holding onto a railing or looking where you are going. There is a lot you can do to maintain balance and prevent falls. As we age maintaining our balance and preventing fall becomes more important. As we head into fall and winter this becomes even more important with slick roads, driveways and sidewalks!

My favorite way of conditioning the body to maintain balance is Tai Chi.

This gentle form of exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, and could be the perfect activity for the rest of your life.

Tai chi is often described as “meditation in motion,” but it might well be called “medicationin motion.” There is growing evidence that this mind-body practice, which originated in China as a martial art, has value in treating or preventing many health problems. And you can get started even if you aren’t in top shape or the best of health.

In this low-impact, slow-motion exercise, you go without pausing through a series of motions named for animal actions — for example, “white crane spreads its wings” — or martial arts moves, such as “box both ears.” As you move, you breathe deeply and naturally, focusing your attention — as in some kinds of meditation — on your bodily sensations. Tai chi differs from other types of exercise in several respects. The movements are usually circular and never forced, the muscles are relaxed rather than tensed, the joints are not fully extended or bent, and connective tissues are not stretched. Tai chi can be easily adapted for anyone, from the most fit to people confined to wheelchairs or recovering from surgery.

Give it a try, I am sure you can find a class near you.

Submitted by Tricia @ Nutrition by Tricia