Balance is achieved through three main areas: the visual system (the eyes), vestibular system (the inner ear), and somatosensory (your feet’s ability to feel the ground). Together, all three provide the firmest balance you have while standing on two feet.
In this video, Point Performance’s Julie Shein explains how to improve your sense of balance by removing one or more of the three areas of balance. You can stand but close your eyes, removing the visual system; stand on a soft, unstable cushion to remove the somatosensory system. You can close your eyes while standing on the cushion to remove two sensory areas and train just your vestibular system to maintain your balance.
Each of these exercises can help strengthen your sensory areas’ ability to maintain balance, which is important particularly as you grow older. Try these exercises for a few minutes each day to improve your balance and lower your risk of falling.
