Balance Training – An Osteopaths Perspective
In the video below you will see one of Principle Four Osteopathy clients performing a wall supported single leg balance with opposite leg raised to 90 degrees alternating step/walk forwards. This exercise was selected to challenge single leg balance whilst combining it with movement (stepping forward). The client has been asked to try and perform this exercise with only as much support (hand on wall) as required. There are many great ways to add balance exercises into ones training program and some of these strategies can include the following:
- Bilateral stance (various foot stances) + arm reaches, eyes open/closed, head movement
- Single leg balance (standing over ones base of support) + eyes open/closed, head movement or reaches with non weight bearing leg or arms
- Gait variations i.e. walking forwards, backwards, side ways + adding obstacles to walk around, step over, step under etc, walk on.
My favourite are usually the gait variations because walking is something that we all do on a daily basis and there are many fun ways to create a challenging balance exercise for the individual for all ages.
This blog post was written by osteopath Heath Williams of Principle Four Osteopathy. Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced osteopaths working across both of the clinics. The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation. The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation. To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.