What is the best balance exercise?

Many people would say standing on one leg. But what about the lady who brushed her teeth standing on one leg for one minute each and developed HIP PAIN? Balance is complicated. So what IS the best balance exercise? In a word – YES! Yes!! – Something you do for balance every day. Even simply […]

Exercise to Improve Mindfulness & Balance

When I teach a POLES for Balance & Maintaining Mobility class, I work to achieve TWO goals: Helping people experience the freedom of movement possible when using poles for walking How to improve mindfulness We do exercises for balance, ROM (range of motion), gait, etc.   I use the sit-to-stand exercise to help improve mindfulness.  We […]

Improve BALANCE and ENDURANCE with Communication

How are you feeling?  OK?  Fine?  Good?    A little tired?  Wobbly?  And what ON EARTH do those mean?  (they’re called fuzzy words) I work with many people – some of whom have mobility and balance challenges.  If a person says – I’m OK, maybe s/he is, or perhaps I’m reading something else in his/her form.  […]

Plantar Fasciitis? Annual Gift Guide Idea for Hikers & Walkers

If you have feet – or know anyone who does – here’s the perfect gift for the hiker or walker in your life!   This inexpensive little item makes the cut every year for our annual gift guide.   Our feet are our foundation.  See tips below for keeping your feet happy using these massage balls.  Also: […]

Falling is BAD: Ice & Snow Safety Balance Tip

A dear friend with Multiple Sclerosis  (who lives in MN) shared a WONDERFUL tip yesterday.   She keeps a set of YakTrax on a pair of shoes (in her case – slip on boots for ease of application) in her car so that when she arrives at a client’s home, she can safely walk in and […]

Save your Knees: Benefits of using poles for hiking and walking

With OPTIMAL USE, you can achieve ALL these BENEFITS of using Poles for Hiking, Walking, Exercise, Balance & Mobility! Win-Win-Win ~ Be in nature, connecting with your friends and family while getting a great workout using your whole body. Improve Power, Balance, Control & Confidence ~ Confidence is the #1 benefit for many pole users.  […]

Neutral Posture: Important for balance

What is neutral posture? Standing tall, imagine a straight line going from your ear to shoulder to hip to ankle. Here’s a definition from Wikipedia.

What is DORSAL GLIDE and how does it help us achieve Neutral Posture?

Dorsal glide enables us to lengthen the back of the neck – the cervical spine. Sitting or standing tall, gently tuck the chin while at the same time imagining that a single hair is pulling your head upwards.  Feel the back of your neck lengthening. Anytime you’re supine (flat on your back), gently tuck your […]

Falling is BAD. How Scanning helps improve performance on the trail.

What is scanning?  Scanning is looking ahead to anticipate obstacles. Scanning enables you to walk in a more neutral posture. By all means, look down with you need to, but scanning enables you to walk without always looking down at your feet.  By walking in a more neutral posture, you are more upright.  This improves […]

POLES FAQ: Can I become dependent on using poles? Yes

When using poles, do we lose some ability to use balance muscles?  Do we become dependent on them? We believe it IS possible to become reliant on your poles.  They are helpful in so many ways for helping us enjoy the outdoors.  Is it a good idea to occasionally hike on a moderate trail without […]

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