The best moves to improve balance come from ancient and modern qigong practices.
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Why balance matters
If you've ever walked on an uneven surface worried to lift your eyes, you're not alone. Or perhaps you're not as confident walking on slick or icy surfaces as you used to be.
You probably fear falling and the physical and cognitive damage that can result from a fall.
You're not alone.
To illustrate, when you cannot balance, you risk falling which can cause significant harm, as these statistics show.
Statistics on falling
United States government statistics about falls indicate that:
- One out of 5 falls leads to a serious injury such as broken bones.
- Every year 3 million older people are treated in emergency rooms visits from a fall.
- Each year more than 300,000 people suffer from hip fractures, with 95% of those resulting from a fall.
In addition to these statistics, the U.S. National Safety council notes that falls are the number one cause of death for older adults.
Further indications that injury from falls is a global problem are shown in a recent meta-analysis of studies on falls. Globally, 26.5% of older people will suffer harm from a fall. The two highest rates occur in Oceania with a 34.4% fall rate and the United States with a 27.9% fall rate.
Best Moves to Improve Balance
While some falls occur from environmental factors, having good balance can help you navigate and stay safe regardless of the terrain.
Best moves to improve balance give you the confidence you need to go to the grocery store and play with children and grandchildren. They also let you lead a life of independence without fear.
Qigong exercises for balance
A significant focus in qigong is balance. Ancient qigong flows, such as the Eight Brocades and Five Animal Frolics, include balancing poses such as "Bouncing the Heels" and "The Crane" poses.
Bouncing the Heels
Tips:
1. Keep your gaze fixed on one point on the horizon, or on the ground in front of you. This will help you stay balance.
2. Let gravity pull your heels to the ground when you drop down.
You can also do the morning energizer movements by filling out the form below. The exercises keep your mind clear to stave off accidents, and tighten core muscles, essential to prevent falls.
start your day Feeling energized, without breaking into a sweat
Your FREE printable guide will help you complete an easy, energizing sequence every morning.
The Crane Soars Best Moves to Improve Balance
The Crane Soars qigong movement supports balance and is good for the hips and shoulders. It also helps with aches of the limbs, joints, neck, shoulders, back, waist, and legs.
It's best to watch the video to learn how to do the movement properly. Click here or on the imag