Matter of Balance Part Two: Strength and Balance Exercises Prevent Falls

Matter of Balance was back in action this week. This time around seniors were challenged with exercises working out for over an hour. The exercises helped build endurance and strength to prevent falls from happening.

“This helps work the muscles that are in need in order to prevent falls and also to keep up with everyday life,” Mike Stauffer said.

Standing up can be hard as a senior. Matter of Balance also teaches seniors how to adjust to change, for example walking in grass, to harder surfaces like gravel.

In Monday’s class seniors also learned the importance of taking breathes in between exercises, while maintaining strong muscles and brain activity.

“If you don’t use it, you loose it. We want to make sure that all of the seniors are still staying active; their bodies are staying active for years and years. Sometimes they think they can’t do it any longer so if they think that way and start sitting longer they’re not using those muscles that they need to,” Stauffer said.

But if you think matter of balance is just about exercises and fall prevention think again. It’s a way for seniors to mix and mingle and keep a positive attitude.

“We really enjoy helping seniors, and that’s why we are the seniors center. If we can put a smile on someone’s face to help him or her get through the day that’s what we are there for. If they need help with doing something we try to give them tools and the knowledge to make it through,” he added.