Functional Training: Older Adults

When training dynamic balance we like to use a wide range of exercises to force people to change their gait. This is also called Gait Performance Enhancement.

So while the front plank is useful, why don't you try a few more variations — the combinations really become endless.

The Hurdler warm-up exercise is great for static balance on top of warming up our hips for activity.

Below are functional podiatrist Dr Emily Splichal's 4 Tips for Healthy Feet and Strong Movement

From these six you will realize the combinations are endless and you can add rotational movement patterns, diagonal directions and so many more to create an endless of array of jumping jacks.

Here is a sample of some at-home balance drills I created for our clients — so they have zero excuse to get something productive done even when they are stuck at home.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to get the client connected to their foundation is through an exercise called forward lean.

This exercise is a simple march in place — a simple exercise for most, but it can challenge balance as it prolongs our single leg stance since our foot is off the ground a little longer than normal.