Balance Exercises

Balance is very important in every day life. No matter what activities we perfrom on a daily basis, it all involves balance and stability. Having good balance is especially important with the winter months when sidewalks and driveways become slippery or icy. Here are 3 exercises that work the core and also balance. 

Step ups are a great exercise, regardless of how high the step is. Step ups work the whole leg, particularily the quads, hips and glutes while also working the core. It is very important to keep the core engaged during the whole exercise, when stepping up and off the step. If you are just starting out with step ups, make sure to have a wall or something near you to grab on to, until you develop the core strength and stability. 

Calf Raises are another great exercise to perform to help with balance and stability. They predominately work the calf muscles but also work the core, if performing them properly. You want to keep the core engaged while lifting onto your toes, hold for a second or two, and then slowly come back down onto the heels. Much like with step ups, it is important to start out next to a wall until you develop good balance and stability. 

Tib raises are very similiar to calf raises, except during this exercise you will want to keep the core engaged while lifting onto your heels. This exercise can be done while holding weights once you develop proper balance and stability without holding weights.