Every year U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken hips caused from falling

Most people do not think of doing balance exercises as part of their fitness routines, because were all very concern about fat loss and muscle growth. Balancing exercises can be incorporated into weight lifting routines as well as your aerobic activates.

Start with the basics:
Let me give you one note of caution. When practicing balance work make sure the area around you is empty. Sooner or later everyone falls when practicing balance exercises.

Before trying out one of these devices lets start with just standing. What we take for granted now can become a challenging task when we get older. Try to stand just on one leg,  then try standing with your eyes closed. Harder then you thought?

If you are lifting weights you can incorporate using the physio ball, (also called a Swiss Ball). Try sitting up on the ball while doing your arm curls or shoulder pressing. You can work your hamstrings by lying down on the floor and putting your heels only on top of the ball and try doing a pelvic tilt at the same time.

Since everything for balance starts at the ankles you want to make sure they are flexible and strong. For anyone who has twisted their ankles, you know what I mean. Using a half cylinder try standing on one leg with your foot on the flat part of the cylinder. You will feel your ankle get a great workout and you will be teaching balance to your body.

SPORTS
Anyone who participates in sports realizes the benefits of having good balance. Balance affects every aspect of your game. Try any movement off balance in any type of sport and observe the effect: Loss of control, reduction of power, and a greater chance of injury.

MUSCLES
Having good balance also means having strong muscles. The most important muscles in the lower body for good balance are your hips and quadriceps (front of the leg) muscles.  Exercises for these muscles include Hip Abduction machines as well as walking sideways with a band around your ankles or (if you have bad knees) place the band above your knees. To strengthen the front of your legs you can do leg pressing exercises, straight leg raises or knee extensions. 

MARTIAL ARTS
When people think of martial arts they imagine people being thrown around and pieces of wood being smash in half. However Tai Chi is a slow and controlled martial art.  Besides improving your balance, it can help with stress.