Why balance training works
Balance naturally declines with age, but the good news is that it responds well to training at any stage of life. Practising balance exercises challenges the systems your body uses to stay steady — and, done consistently, meaningfully reduces your risk of falling.
Always check with a physiotherapist before starting, keep a sturdy support such as a bench nearby, and stop if you feel unsafe.
Balance exercises to try
Start gently and build up. Quality and safety matter far more than difficulty.
- Standing on one leg while holding a bench, building up your hold time
- Heel-to-toe (tandem) standing, feet in a straight line
- Weight shifts, transferring your weight side to side and front to back
- Sit-to-stand from a sturdy chair to build the leg strength that supports balance
- Marching on the spot while holding support
- Heel and toe raises to strengthen the ankles
Getting the most from your program
Balance improves with regular practice — a little each day is more effective than an occasional long session. A physiotherapist can assess your individual balance, tailor these exercises to your ability and progress them safely over time.
For older adults, home visit physiotherapy makes this especially easy, with your program designed and supervised in the very space where you move each day.