When was the last time you thought about your balance? It is not something we give much thought to — until we must.
For those who came across this recent study, many were quick to give the recommended test a try.
For this assessment, it was reported that if you cannot balance on one leg for 10 seconds, you will have a lower life expectancy than those who can. That statement is powerful, so naturally, most people try it.
Did you? What did you discover?
Regardless of the results, consider the last time your balance was assessed. Makes you think, doesn’t it?
Is balance an indication of youth? Does it provide insight into your health? If so, is it time to rethink what balance means as a potential vital sign?
If you are currently designing a wellness program, this is an interesting test that you could implement at your next team meeting, especially as you begin to build a corporate culture built on positive wellness. This test could be telling to both you and your employees, bringing awareness to a topic many do not consider.
Diving Deeper into the Basics of Balance
When breaking down the science of balance, you see how complex the balance system is. While you may not often think about your ability to balance, plenty is involved, including your brain, eyes, spinal cord, inner ear, joints, muscles, and sensory receptors.
Your ability to balance is based on the signals transmitted to your brain, which come from your inner ear, eyes, and other sensory systems, like those associated with your muscles and joints. Together, these systems and body parts help you maintain balance — the foundation upon which all movement is based. Collectively, it is known as your vestibular system, which also influences your head stability and posture.
In clinical settings, balance has long been assessed like other vital signs — and that one-legged test we just discussed. That test is a clinically validated balance assessment commonly used when determining someone’s fall risk. It is also often utilized within sports rehabilitation scenarios. So, if you have some athletes on your team, they may already know the importance of strength and balance exercises — and how they go hand-in-hand.
Your ability to balance can be telling, as it is crucial for movement. So, working on your balance (or being mindful of your balance health) will determine risks and performance.
The variables that will likely impact your team the most include:
Biological risk factors, like age, physical decline, and chronic illness (like arthritis)
Environmental risk factors, like insufficient lighting, uneven flooring, etc.
Socioeconomic risk factors, like limited access to healthcare services and a lack of resources
Behavioral risk factors, like lack of exercise, heavy alcohol use, etc.
Prioritizing Movement – Take a Proactive Approach
Like many aspects of health, many do not consider protecting it until unwelcome symptoms surface. They only take reactive measures to help treat or manage a condition when they notice something is not right. While balance and movement health are critical for the aging population, balance exercises are important for people of all ages.
Movement health is one area to focus on today, even if you are young and healthy. Prioritizing movement will allow you to age healthily, helping you improve your mobility, strength, and balance.
These stats from movr are quite telling:
- There are around 37 million falls each year severe enough that they require medical attention
- Between 40-60% of older adults experience persistent musculoskeletal (MSK) pain
- As many as 90% of older adults want to age in place and maintain independence
- Plus, when you actively work toward better balance, you will:
- Increase muscle and joint strength, which can improve reaction time and prevent injuries
- Boost coordination, including your mind-body coordination — encouraging mental sharpness
- You can maximize your workouts, as you will be able to exercise more effectively
Advanta Health + movr
Our holistic, comprehensive approach prioritizes movement health for people of all ages, which is why our partnership with movr is so beneficial.
movr is an evidence-based exercise solution that can help people to move better and more pain free based on smart assessments and personalized movement recommendations. Each user’s experience is tailored to their goals and progress. This personalization helps drive actionable changes to yield real results.
With movr, ActiveFit users have access to the following:
- Movement assessments and lifestyle questionnaires that help increase awareness surrounding the next proposed steps
- Personalized movement sessions and recommendations to maximize effectiveness and engagement
- Approachable recovery, mobility, and strength building, helping people of all fitness levels get started
- Over 300 premium functional exercise videos, providing options for users
This company’s research-backed approach has been validated through over 350,000 movement assessments and exercise recommendations.
Advanta Is a Holistic Platform
Advanta’s partner ecosystem makes its platform unique and highly effective. All of the services and resources provided are intended to improve holistic health.
Users gain access to features, services, and resources that support physical, mental, and emotional health — all of which are connected. One aspect of your health will influence another, which concerns balance strength and overall health. Your body-mind connection is important to help you maintain coordination, which can be improved via mindfulness exercises.
Balance and the Mind Go Hand-in-Hand
Research shows that mindful awareness might help you improve your ability to balance and better control your movements — especially if you are also actively working on your physical health (as your muscles and joints strengthen).
By building greater body awareness through meditation practices, you will be able to feel where your body is in space. As your mind-body connection strengthens, you can better direct it to do what you want it to.
Bring the Importance of Balance to the Forefront
Building a corporate culture of wellness is an ongoing process that requires keeping your team engaged and aware of what is new — or important.
Monthly meetings can help shine a spotlight on the latest features or recommendations. You can also send out emails and other resources to spread the word. Start building a mailing list so that you can share updates, news, and success stories.
If you want to create an upcoming wellness newsletter, why not highlight balance?[Text Wrapping Break][Text Wrapping Break]
The American Health Association states that balance is one of the four key types of exercises — along with endurance, flexibility, and strength. There are plenty of balance exercises out there. Try making a list of balanced exercises categorized by factors like experience, fitness levels, and interests.
With Advanta Health, those interested in balance exercises will continue to gain personalized support and access to tailored recommendations. Plenty of resources are available that support physical and mental health, including countless exercises and mindfulness activities — all of which provide ways to earn rewards.
Build a Healthier Workforce with Advanta
If you are ready to implement a wellness program with benefits, Advanta Health is it. Trusted by over 3,000 organizations just like yours, Advanta allows you to boost, track, and reward your team through incentives and a culture that believes in a healthier life and a more productive workplace.
If you have any questions, contact the Advanta team and get your demo today!