Physical Inactivity and its impact on balance
Physical activity begins with your balance ~
Hi, I’m Dr. Nathan Estrada—Nymbl’s resident physical therapist and fall prevention expert. Your health and wellness matter to us at PrimeTime and at Nymbl.
As you age, you may start to notice changes in your balance, or may have already experienced a fall. Noticing changes in your balance can feel intimidating or even scary at times, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey to maintain or improve your balance. In fact, most falls are preventable – and by staying active, you can reduce your risk of falling, more confidently participate in life, and do the activities you enjoy most. This is part 2 of a 2-part series, discussing balance and how it can be improved. Today, we’re talking about physical activity and balance.
It’s important to maintain physical activity as we age, with benefits ranging from a healthy heart and brain, better sleep, and improved energy. In order to achieve these health benefits, it’s recommended to:
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- Do at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity spread throughout the week.
- What is moderate intensity?
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- Exercise that raises your heart rate and makes you sweat
- Exercise that is challenging, making it difficult to hold a conversation
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- Add muscle strength training for major muscle groups about 2 times per week.
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- What is strength training?
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- Exercises that make you tired before about 20 repetitions
- For most people, requires the use of weights
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When your doctor asks about your physical activity, it’s because they care about your well-being. They want to help you prioritize physical activity that’s best for your unique needs. Maintaining physical activity can be as easy as sitting less or choosing to take the stairs, so you can stay mobile and keep doing the things you love.
Physical activity begins with your balance, and balance plays a part in helping you do the things you love and live healthily. To learn more about physical activity, balance, and how you can work toward better balance every day for free, visit co.fallsfree.com or download the free Nymbl Training app.
