Stretch what you strengthen

In order to remain balanced, a person needs to follow a balanced fall prevention exercise program. That includes:

• Strengthening activities
  
• Flexibility exercises
• Balance training
• Endurance activities
  

I had a 90 year-old participant in my 6-week community-based balance and mobility training class and she increased both her lower body strength and her dynamic balance and agility skills. Unfortunately she did not improve her lower body flexibility but that was because she didn't do the Basic 5 stretches.

Like most older adults, she is concerned about the ability to get out of the chair and her balance. Thus, she practiced her chair stands but didn't do her hamstring stretches! Remember...you have to stretch what you strengthen and strengthen what you stretch!

The Fall Prevention Lady