How to Improve Balance Through Sports Therapy

It is easy to take good balance for granted, but when your balance is impaired, it becomes quite clear how difficult it is to function without it. Balance is dependent on proprioceptive feedback from your eyes and ears, as well as a kinesthetic sense of where your body is in space. There are several methods under the umbrella of sports therapy through which you can improve your balance.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Choose a Sports Therapy Remedy to Fit Your Lifestyle

1. Slow down, and take up the Chinese martial art of tai chi chuan. This popular activity is known for its slow, controlled movements and routines designed to promote health and long life.
2. Practice yoga. Spiritual health and peace of mind aren't the only benefits of doing yoga. Practice some standing poses to improve your strength and balance.
3. Buy a therapy ball. One of the simplest pieces of exercise equipment, a therapy ball (or Swiss ball) is an excellent tool to improve your balance through sports therapy. The unstable surface of the ball makes balance essential when using it, and there is an interesting variety of exercises targeting balance problems designed for the therapy ball.

Improve Your Balance Through Your Chosen Form of Therapy

4. Find a tai chi group and join it. Groups of people can frequently be found practicing tai chi together in public parks early in the morning. If you're looking to get started with tai chi, they'll have some pointers.
5. Take some yoga classes. Find a yoga studio that's convenient to you, then sign yourself up for classes that concentrate on standing poses, since these will help your balance the most. If you prefer to go it alone, there are many excellent books and DVDs available offering well illustrated yoga instruction, such as the "Yoga Remedies for Balance" DVD (see Resources below).
6. Sign up for a ball class at a physical therapy clinic or gym. You can use an exercise ball alone, but you'll have an easier time of it if you take a class to learn the balance-improving exercises initially. The clinic or gym offering the class will usually offer exercise balls for sale.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun with your sports therapy! The key is finding the method that fits your schedule and is enjoyable for you.
• Check the bulletin boards at your local health food store or yoga studio for tai chi groups near you.
• Consult your doctor if you are experiencing unusually poor balance. Impaired balance can be a symptom of several medical problems, including disorders of the inner ear, eye and muscles.

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