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Protect Your Bones with Fitness After 40 As people age, society often makes us feel we are moving from vitality to frailty. This doesn't have to be and should not be the case. In my book, Fitness after 40, I have provided a guide to thriving in the prime of your life, although the tips are applicable to people of any age. Focusing on flexibility, aerobics and resistance training in addition to maintaining your equilibrium with balance exercises will help move you to your best health. Your Balance is Vital to Your Health There are lots of reasons to perfect your balance. Thanks to the modern day sedentary lifestyles, our balance begins to decline after the age of 25. You might think being wobbly isn't any big deal, but after the age of 65, one in three people will fall performing a simple daily task. We're not talking about minor stumbles either. The fact is, as you get older, your bones become more brittle. Not only that, the number one predictor of future fracture is having had a fracture in the past. This means that if you've broken a bone in the past, you are at a high risk of breaking that same bone in the future. As an orthopedic surgeon, I am on the front lines of fracture care, and I can tell you that no one wants a broken bone. The good news is that poor balance and equilibrium can be retrained with simple balance exercises. How Old Is Your Equilibrium?
The shorter time that you were able to balance, the "older" your equilibrium. If you lasted:
So how old are you? No lying! Everyday Balance Exercises
A simple way to improve your balance is to stay productive in your down time. For example, balance on one foot when you brush your teeth! It's such a small thing but it can really improve your balance. Here are some balance exercises that you can incorporate into your daily routine. The Stork
Side Leg Raises
Toe Raises
These balance exercises are simple but they can have a dramatic impact on your health. Remember that it is never to late (or early) to protect your bones and your body. Dr. Vonda Wright is an orthopedic surgeon and internationally recognized authority on active aging and mobility. To learn more, visit DrVondaWright.com and WomensHealthConversations.com. ![]() |
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