Balance is difficult to define because it's different for everyone. And because balance means different things to different people, it's hard to establish a 'standardized' measurement for balance. For these reasons, I use the only standardized testing for seniors; Rickli and Jones' Senior Fitness Tests, to measure different components of fitness associated with balance and falls.
For the past fifteen years (15 years), I have collected data on every student on the first and last days of class to provide objective data regarding their balance. You may not 'feel' like you improved that much in such a short period of time but numbers don't lie. I measure lower body strength, lower body flexibility and dynamic balance and agility; three components of fitness directly related to personal safety and independence.
The results are in from the two Brains and Balance Training classes at Sun River Church and I am excited about the progress made in four short weeks. It was interesting to note that avid walkers increased significantly in lower body strength and flexibility but not so much in speed and agility.
The legally blind student was the most improved in his class and in the top 3 improved of 17 people. He did 3 more chair stands in 30 seconds, reached 3.5 inches further toward his toes and walked 3 full seconds faster around a cone and back to his seat! He's 83 years old! And he has macular degeneration! And he's a US Veteran!
A couple who walks over three miles every morning also showed significant improvement. The husband was most improved by doing six more chair stands in 30 seconds and reaching 4 inches further toward toes. His wife did equally as well, increasing lower body strength by 4 and reaching 2.5 inches further. Both are now in the upper percentile ranks among people their age and gender.
The most improved of both groups was a caregiver in her mid-70s who had taken a bad fall the day before we started class. Over four weeks, she not only increased her confidence but nearly doubled the number of chair stands, or lower body strength! She reached 6.5 inches further and can touch her toes for the first time in her life.
I have to mention another couple who made significant improvements in all three areas of fitness however what was better than their numbers was the improved quality of life they felt they have gained from brain-based training.
She said the class was not only life changing but gave her life back! Diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy, she is no longer crawling through life scared of falling but now feels her feet in contact with the ground and knows how to control her body. Her joy is radiant and all her friends are commenting on how much better she's moving and looking.
A lifelong athlete, he stands up better. He's short-waisted, long legged and now he feels stable when standing up. This is huge for a person who exercises daily and enjoys being active.
I absolutely love what I do; train the two things you don't want to lose as you get older; your brains and your balance. Don't wait ten years for your trainer or doctor to tell you about exercises to activate your body so you can move, balance and see better. Find a Z-Health trainer near you and change the way you move through life.
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