Written by Tanushree Yalavatti, PT, DPT, a Physical Therapist at our Auburn Lakeland Hills clinic.
At RET Physical Therapy Lakeland Hills clinic, we’re excited to introduce our new Balance and Strength Classes, designed to help patients of older ages improve their stability, mobility, and overall quality of life. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing a chronic condition, or simply looking to improve your balance, these classes are tailored to meet the unique needs of everyone. But what exactly do balance and strength classes involve, and how can they benefit you?
What Are Balance and Strength Classes?
Balance and strength classes are specialized sessions focused on improving your ability to stand, walk, and move confidently in the community. These classes combine exercises that strengthen muscles, improve coordination, and increase flexibility, contributing to better balance. In addition to enhancing physical function, these classes also focus on correcting abnormal walking patterns (gait), which can help prevent falls, improve posture, and reduce pain. While you participate in building physical well-being, you could also create a supportive network of like-minded individuals.
Balance and strength classes also play a key role in improving skeletal muscle mass distribution by targeting major muscle groups and promoting muscle growth, which helps to support and stabilize bones. Regular resistance training and weight-bearing exercises in these classes stimulate bone remodeling, which can help slow the progression of osteopenia. By enhancing muscle strength, balance classes also improve posture and alignment, reducing the risk of fractures and falls, which is especially important for individuals with weakened bones. Over time, these exercises contribute to better bone density and overall bone health.
Each class is led by skilled exercise physiologists, who provide personalized instruction and modifications to ensure you perform exercises that match your current abilities and goals. Whether you’re experiencing dizziness, weakness, or instability, your exercise physiologist will modify the exercises to help you progress safely.
Who should take Balance and Strength Classes?
Balance and strength classes are ideal for older adults, individuals recovering from injury or conditions like Parkinson’s disease, stroke, or arthritis who want to improve stability, prevent falls and enhance mobility. These classes also benefit anyone seeking to improve coordination and overall functional movement.
Are you finding any of these activities challenging?
Navigating Crowded Areas
Maintaining balance while walking through crowded areas like intersections or marketplaces can be difficult, requiring focus to avoid collisions and navigate uneven surfaces.
Engaging in Physical Activities
Good coordination and balance are often required to maintain a steady gait during neighborhood events, such as charity runs, sports days, or group exercise classes.
Walking on Uneven Ground
Balancing on uneven ground like grass, gravel, or transitions between sidewalks and other terrains can be difficult, especially in public spaces.
Carrying Heavy or Awkward Loads
Tasks like transporting groceries or moving boxes from a store or community center to your home can challenge your posture and balance.
Using Public Transportation
Boarding or exiting buses, trains, or trams —particularly during sudden stops or unexpected movements—requires stability and coordination.
Participating in Group Sports
Activities like basketball, soccer, or volleyball demand dynamic balance and agility to move quickly while coordinating with others.
Attending Fitness Classes
Exercise classes such as yoga or Pilates rely on proper alignment and posture to ensure safety and effectiveness, often requiring a strong sense of balance.
Walking Pets
Managing your balance while walking pets, particularly in busy areas or on uneven surfaces, requires control and coordination with the animal and those you might pass.
The Benefits of Balance and Gait Classes
Prevention of Falls
Regular participation in balance and gait classes strengthens muscles and improves stability, reducing the risk of falls. These classes teach proper techniques for safe movement, helping individuals feel more secure in daily activities.
Improved Gait and Posture
These classes promote more efficient, fluid movement by focusing on posture and walking patterns. Correcting poor gait mechanics can reduce strain on joints and muscles, leading to better overall posture.
Enhanced Mobility
Balance and gait training helps increase flexibility and range of motion, making it easier to move freely without discomfort. Enhanced mobility improves independence, allowing individuals to complete everyday tasks more efficiently.
Boosted Confidence
As balance and gait improve, individuals experience a sense of achievement, fostering increased confidence in their ability to move safely. This newfound self-assurance encourages more active participation in social and physical activities.
Pain Relief
Proper alignment and gait techniques can alleviate pressure on painful joints, muscles, and ligaments. By learning to move correctly, individuals can experience significant pain reduction, especially in the lower back, hips, and knees.
Tailored to Your Needs
Classes are often personalized to address individual needs, whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a chronic condition. The exercises are adaptable, allowing for gradual progress at a comfortable pace.
Social Interaction and Support
Balance and gait classes provide a supportive environment where individuals can meet others with similar goals. Sharing experiences and progress can enhance motivation, reduce feelings of isolation, and promote lasting connections.
Schedule an Appointment Today
Balance and strength are essential components of everyday life; improving them can significantly impact your overall well-being. At RET Physical Therapy Lakeland Hills clinic, we’re committed to helping you regain mobility, improve stability, and live a more confident and active life. Whether you’re looking to prevent falls, reduce pain, or enhance your ability to move, our Balance and Gait Classes offer the tools, support, and expertise you need to succeed. Don’t wait to take control of your mobility—contact RET Physical Therapy Lakeland Hills Clinic today to learn more about how our Balance and Strength Classes can benefit you.
