Slide show: Balance exercises
A man balances on one foot with both hands in the air.
Previous Next 1 of 5 Introduction to balance exercises

Balance exercises can help you maintain your balance — and confidence — at any age. If you're an older adult, balance exercises are especially important because they can help you prevent falls and maintain your independence. It's a good idea to include balance training along with physical activity and strength training in your regular activity.

Nearly any activity that keeps you on your feet and moving, such as walking, can help you maintain good balance. But specific exercises designed to enhance your balance are beneficial to include in your daily routine and can help improve your stability.

For example, balance on one foot while you're standing for a period of time at home or when you're out and about. Or, stand up from a seated position without using your hands. Or try walking in a line, heel to toe, for a short distance. You can also try tai chi — a form of movement training that may improve balance and stability and reduce the incidence of falls.

If you have severe balance problems or an orthopedic condition, get your doctor's OK before doing balance exercises.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

See more Multimedia June 07, 2022