Increase Flexibility, Improve Walking Gait and Prevent a Fall

Lower body flexibility is one of the fitness and fall risk markers that I assess in my Brains and Balance Training classes.  Following standardized senior fitness testing protocol, I test class participants on the first day and again on the last day to measure efficacy of training intervention on reduced fall risk.

I've been implementing Senior Fitness testing on every person in every class since 2006;  I have 12 years of data to demonstrate the effectiveness of consistent brains and balance mobility training.  I can honestly say that class participants have improved in AT LEAST ONE of the three senior fitness tests /fall risk assessments in my twelve years as a balance and mobility instructor.

The class works when you do the assigned homeplay exercises.  These do not take much time but they do take effort.  Why should you care about lower body flexibility?

• Lower body flexibility is necessary if you want to walk without tripping over your toes.  
• Lower body flexibility is necessary if you do not want to shuffle.  
• Lower body flexibility is necessary if you do want to relieve low back pain.  
• Lower body flexibility is kind of a big deal for independence.

Every once in awhile I have a class participant who improves exceedingly above the average.  In the latest class at Del Webb's Retreat in Roseville, I had three participants who improved so much in their lower body flexibility that I wanted to write about it.

The guy who improved the most in his lower body flexibility gained 4.5 inches in five weeks.  Let me explain; on day one, his reach was nearly five inches from his toes.  On the last day of class, he could touch his toes!  This gentleman is 76 years old.

Close behind him was the 90-year old female participant!  Although she was still three inches from reaching her toes, she gained THREE INCHES in lower body flexibility during the five week training.  As a result of improved lower body flexibility, she walks more steady and balanced.

In fact, during the first week of class she held onto her husband's arm when doing walking gait exercises.  Let's just say that quickly changed!  Now she's walking independently, more steady, with more confidence and an upright stance.  100% improvement in her walking gait.

The third participant who made huge improvements in his lower body flexibility was her 91-year old husband.  On day one, he was two inches from reaching his toes.  On the final day, he was touching his toes.  This guy not only improved in lower body flexibility but also lower body strength; he was able to do six more chair stands on the last day of class!

I am so proud of everyone in this session of Brains and Balance Training with Coach Kelly at The Retreat in Del Webb; especially the couple in their early nineties.   It's so awesome to see everyone improve; by the second week, postural improvements are evident  By the third week, personal awareness of changes in daily activities are reported.  The fourth and fifth week solidify these improvements within the nervous system and the entire body moves better.

Increased lower body flexibility and stronger leg muscles are fitness components that all older adults need if they want to avoid an accidental fall.  These two fitness measures are essential for a healthy walking gait and independent lifestyle.

Train the brain to improve movement.
Movement is life; it's time to start living.

The Fall Prevention Lady, aka Coach Kelly