May 2017 issue of Harvard HealthBeat newsletter addresses balance, and highlights tai chi moves (aka qigong) as one of the ways to improve balance.
Excerpt from the Saturday, May 13, 2017 email
Easy ways to improve your balance
The body systems responsible for balance can be affected by gradual changes due to aging or the side effects of medications. There are also a host of health problems that can lead to unsteadiness on your feet.
But many of the stability problems caused by aging or conditions such as arthritis, stroke, Parkinson's disease, or multiple sclerosis respond well to exercises designed to improve balance.
Most likely, you already engage in some activities that help sharpen balance, especially if you're an active person. Other balance-strengthening activities are routinely taught in classes held at many YMCAs and senior centers.
For example:·
Walking, biking, and climbing stairs strengthen muscles in your lower body. A recumbent bike or stair stepper is a safe way to start if your balance needs a lot of work.·
Stretching loosens tight muscles, which can affect posture and balance.·
Yoga strengthens and stretches tight muscles while challenging your static and dynamic balance skills.·
Tai chi moves, which involve gradual shifts of weight from one foot to another combined with rotating the trunk and extending the limbs, offer a series of challenges to improve your balance.
What if you're not at all active?
Research shows that the right exercises can help sedentary folks dramatically improve their strength and balance at any age or ability level.
