Aquatic Fall Prevention and Balance

Why an aquatic exercise class or personal training?

• decrease weight bearing/load on the joints

• increase muscle strength and range of motion

• improve coordination, posture, balance and joint mobility

• increase cardiovascular endurance

• decrease muscle stiffness and pain

A variety of exercises will be utilized to improve balance, gait, and overall strength. Dynamic and static balance exercises—examples include standing leg lifts in all directions and stationary stances on two and one leg. Gait training incorporates various walking postures forward, backward, heel walking, side step, and tight rope walking to name a few. Overall strengthening creates a more stable body to resist falling. The water creates a unique type of resistance which can be increased using various aquatic equipment. Exercises to increase whole body strength include squats, lunges, upper body with or without dumbbells, and core/trunk stabilization. Modifications to the program ensure an individualize workout.