In our “Let’s Keep Moving!” series, we’re looking at different types of physical activities and how they can benefit our health. Today, we’re discussing the importance of balance.

A chief, albeit obvious, benefit of good balance comes in helping prevent falls.Falls at any age can lead to injuries, but they are especially dangerous for older adults, who often exhibit more fragility in their bones and joints. Each year, more than 2 million older Americans go to the emergency room because of fall-related injuries, according to the National Institutes of Health.

Exercises to improve your balance include:

• Standing on one foot, holding onto the back of a sturdy chair
• Tiptoe stands
• Walking up and down stairs
• Heel-to-toe walk
• Tai chi

Notice that each of these exercises helps build strength in your core, or the muscles that make up your abdomen and connect your lower and upper body. These muscles provide the foundation on which many of your movements depend.

In our next post, we will look at ways to improve your balance, and how that can help you in daily activities.

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