Julie Holl

We hear a lot about how to keep our heart and lungs healthy and how to stay in shape, but not so much about how to keep our balance system healthy. Your balance system includes all the senses in your body that tell you how you are moving, the brain which puts this information together, and the muscles that control your movements.

This complex system needs plenty of regular 'practice'. As children we develop good balance by practising balancing activities - walking along walls, jumping and climbing.

As adults we tend not to give our balance system the practice it needs. Health problems can also weaken the balance system and as a result our balance system deteriorates.

What is balance training?

There are many different ways to carry out the physical activities that keep your balance system healthy. We need to practise moving around in different directions as we would do in day to day life. Try these exercises out:

Who can benefit from balance training?

Everyone! People of all ages and abilities need to keep their balance system healthy, and you are never too young or too old to benefit. A healthy balance system helps you to look and feel good - you can move freely and confidently, and will have more energy and strength.

Keeping your balance system healthy is especially important if you have problems due to illness, such as joint pain, weakness or dizziness. Balance training can help you get back to normal, and overcome feelings of stiffness or unsteadiness.