Looking to improve your balance and coordination? Experts agree a strong balance can play an important role in preventing life-threatening falls in older adults. While balance exercises like standing on one foot, lunges, and squats can all help strengthen your balance, so can specialty training tools made just for balance practice.
Don’t miss this quick guide to the best balance training equipment for seniors:
Inflatable Balance Disc from Vive Health
Also called a wobble disc or balance cushion, the inflatable balance disc from Vive Health helps older adults both strengthen their core and lower body for increased stability as well as relieves back pain (as a cushion). The 12 ½” disc is made of a tear-proof, latex-free material and even comes with a pump for quick and easy inflation.
This effective piece of balance training equipment can be used in a variety of ways; you can stand on it, do exercises on it (like holding a plank), or you can use it as a seat cushion. Featuring a dual-textured surface, this balance cushion also makes sure that you have plenty of traction when you stand on it and that it is comfortable when you sit on it. It can even hold up to 440 pounds!
Yoga Half Ball Balance Trainer from Pexmor
This stationary half fitness ball provides support and assistance specifically for activities like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi. Lightweight and portable, it also comes with a dual-handled resistance band for added muscle engagement and exercise versatility.
Sit on it, stand on it, exercise on it, the options are endless, and with a 660-pound capacity and anti-burst technology, it can serve just about anyone. A foot pump and two air plugs are included for easy inflation and a smart anti-skid surface makes sure you have plenty of traction when you use it. With 4.4 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this half ball balance trainer is a must-have tool for your home gym.
Balance Pad from Power Systems
Improve ankle stability and strengthen lower leg muscles with this 19″ x 15″ x 2″ foam balance pad. Made of a soft, high-quality EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, this balance pad is often used for physical therapy purposes and could be employed with older adults recuperating from a fall or hip/leg injury or surgery.
By simply stepping on the balance pad when standing in one place or during exercises, you will notice the extra challenge to your body that requires frequent micro-adjustments by your legs and core to help you stay balanced and upright. Lightweight, easy to move, and durable, this balance pad also protects against microbial odors and moisture.
Pro Rotating Discs from OPTP
Pro Rotating Discs can be used with seniors looking to do dynamic standing, sitting, and floor-facing balance exercises. At 11 inches in diameter and made of wood, these rotating discs can hold up to 300 pounds and facilitate range-of-motion exercises that complement a rehabilitation program and strengthen stabilization and balance.
Seniors can use rotating discs like these from OPTP during exercise and while doing other activities like standing and watching TV or working at the computer. In addition to activating muscle groups in the legs, rotating discs also work out the hips, spine, and core, and can even be used to strengthen the pelvic floor.
Foam Roller from LuxFit
Foam rolling has gained traction with physical therapists over the past five years and for good reason. Not only does a foam roller like this one from LuxFit provide a dynamic training surface for stretching and breaking up tight myofascial tissue, but they can also be utilized with balance exercises.
This high-density foam roller is extra firm and features a super smooth surface with which to roll or lie on. Over 2,500 5-star reviews on Amazon says it all – this foam roller can help with spinal realignment, core stabilization, stamina, posture, balance, and even back pain. It’s available in three different sizes so finding the one that suits your needs is easy.
Important Balance Training Reminder
While specialty balance training exercise equipment can go a long
way towards preventing falls, when used improperly and without the right
guidance, they can also contribute to injury. Make sure that when you invest in
balance training equipment, you talk to your doctor or physical therapist about
best practices for using it.
You may even check at your local gym or senior center to see if they have
knowledgeable instructors who can demonstrate proper use for you. Another good
place to look for expert instruction is online – sites like Youtube may offer
helpful videos that show you how best to use your balance training equipment.