Flexibility & Balance: 2 Keys to Living Well Longer

​If you’re like most, you haven’t spent much time thinking about your flexibility and sense of balance.  Believe me, having good flexibility and being able to maintain your balance in a variety of situations is a remarkably accurate measure of personal health.
 
Too many times I’ve seen patients suffer thought life-altering injuries caused by the combined effect of poor balance and inflexible joints.
 
You might be surprised to know that good flexibility and balance are two keys to living well longer. 
 
The good news is that no matter your age, you can improve your flexibility and balance.
 
I encourage all my patients to make weekly flexibility and balance enhancing sessions a lifelong habit.
 
Flexibility and balance exercises can be surprisingly challenging at first.  Don't give up!
 
Your health will improve. And, you’ll be much more likely to stay active longer in life. Make improving flexibility and balance a life-long habit to enjoy these benefits:

• Improves your posture which relaxes your body keeping you feeling more refreshed
• Improved self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improves your overall mood
• Improves your balance and coordination
• Increases your range of motion
• Decreases your risk of injury
• Decreases the amount of time you may need to recover from physical injuries
• Improves the circulation to your arms and legs
• Improves your muscle control
• Improved overall fitness/athletic performance
• Helps sore muscles recover more quickly

 
There are so many wonderful ways you can choose to improve your flexibility and balance. Before you start it's vital that you consult your healthcare professional to learn proper exercise techniques and which types of flexibility and balance exercises are safe and effective for you.

So get out there. Be active. And live life to the fullest, longer.

No matter how you choose to be active, keep these recommendations in mind before you start:
 

• Always consult your healthcare professional prior to beginning any fitness regimen
• Warm-up for at least 5-minutes (10-minutes is better)
• Start slow with exercises, stretches or positions that are right for your current health and fitness ability, then work up to greater challenges

 
Dr. Dukes is here to help you succeed.  Call to schedule your wellness exam with Dr. Dukes today and soon you’ll be building fitness habits that will keep you living well longer.

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