Fitness Over 50: Exercise Prevents Falls
As we age, we naturally lose muscle tissue and bone density, increasing the risk of slips, falls, and fractures. To counter this, it’s essential to actively build muscle mass through resistance training and improve stability by strengthening the body-brain connection. Simply repeating the same exercises month after month can feel good but quickly loses effectiveness. Our muscles need to be challenged regularly and in new ways to reduce injury risk as we get older.
Balancing on a Bosu® ball and practicing single-leg balance exercises activate your intrinsic postural muscles. These muscles work below your conscious awareness to keep you upright and respond instinctively when you encounter uneven pavement or obstacles.
To improve your equilibrium, try this progression:
Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and eyes open for 30 seconds without swaying.
Then try feet together with eyes open.
Next, stand on one foot at a time with eyes open.
Finally, repeat the whole sequence with eyes closed.
The Role of Massage in Fall Prevention and Recovery
Alongside exercise, therapeutic massage plays a key role in maintaining mobility and preventing falls. Massage can:
Reduce muscle tightness and joint stiffness, making movement easier
Improve circulation and promote healing in muscles that support balance
Calm the nervous system, enhancing body awareness and proprioception
Speed recovery after minor injuries or strains that affect stability
If you want to improve your stability, reduce your risk of fractures, and maintain your independence, combining exercise with regular massage therapy is a powerful strategy.
Visit Selina’s Therapy Center at 620 Lighthouse Ave, Suite #165, Pacific Grove, CA for personalized massage sessions designed to support your fitness and balance goals.
Call or text (831) 204-0820 today to get started. Your long-term health and happiness are worth it!
