Why is balance so important

A healthy balance system gives you more energy and strength and helps you move freely and confidently. Keeping your balance system healthy is especially important if you have problems due to illness, such as joint pain, weakness or dizziness.

In these cases, balance training can help you get back to normal and overcome feelings of stiffness or unsteadiness. A strong balance system also helps in sports. Sprains and strains are often due to a lack of balance. The way these two interact is due to the fact that balance and mental health are both affected by many moving parts.

Activities such as Tai Chi are being studied as methods to improve mental health and physical balance since it requires the use of mind and body concurrently.

Balance is maintained by the coordination of multiple systems in the body working together. These include vestibular, visual, and somatosensory proprioceptive input.

The vestibular system refers to how the inner ear works to improve balance. Nerve receptors located in the inner ear are sensitive to movements of the head. The visual system plays a key role in balance so that you can see the adjustments you must make.

Continuous input provided by these systems allows for efficient postural balance. When working together, these systems can react to changes in the environment that may alter balance. For a more in-depth understanding of how balance works, take a look at How Does Balance Work?

Proprioceptive exercises such as balance training have been proven many times to decrease risk of injury. Specifically in terms of chronic ankle sprains, balance exercises used in rehabilitation regimens decrease the time it takes to return to play and prevent re-injury.

Understanding the necessity for balance in daily life is essential. Take a moment to think about how frequently single leg balance is required during activity. Walking, running, lifting, and so much more require an individual to balance almost constantly. For individuals of all activity levels, the ability to balance efficiently can help greatly. Additionally, improved balance relates to reaction time.

Reaction time is a huge component of sport and fitness. In some competitions, minimal reaction time is the difference between champions and runner-ups. However, at all levels, a better reaction time means improvements overall and a decrease in risk of injury. Often we are not fully aware that we may have weak balance until we try balance exercises. Balance exercises can be done every day or as many days as you like and as often as you like.

Preferably, older adults at risk of falls should do balance training 3 or more days a week and do standardized exercises from a program demonstrated to reduce falls. If you think you might be at risk of falling, talk to your doctor. Tai chi exercises also may help prevent falls. Balance, strength and flexibility exercises can be combined. Some people are afraid to exercise after a heart attack. But regular physical activity can help reduce your chances of having another heart attack.

The AHA published a statement in that doctors should prescribe exercise to stroke patients since there is strong evidence that physical activity and exercise after stroke can improve cardiovascular fitness, walking ability and upper arm strength. Written by American Heart Association editorial staff and reviewed by science and medicine advisers. See our editorial policies and staff. Fitness Basics. Getting Active.