Proprioception is your body’s ability to sense where it is and adapt to any sudden changes in the environment. Some people may have reduced proprioception because of age, chronic injury, or neurological disease. This can make everyday tasks harder to accomplish and increase the risk of injury and falls. Fortunately, adding proprioception training exercises to your routine can help lower your risk of injury and improve your fitness levels. Here are some proprioception exercises you can try right now:
Banded Three Way Toe Taps
To begin, select a CanDo® Multi-Grip™ Exerciser with a resistance you are most comfortable with. Then, place the Multi-Grip Exerciser around your ankles and stand with your feet hip-width apart. Shift your weight to your left foot and lower into a quarter squat. Using the Multi-Grip Exerciser as resistance, tap your right toe in front of you, to the side, and behind. Do this 10 times before switching to the other side and repeating the same movement.
One Leg Balance
To begin, place a CanDo® Balance Pad on the floor in front of you. Then, stand on the balance pad with your feet hip-width apart and your hands on your hips. Shift your weight onto your left foot and lift your right foot a few inches off the ground. Stand in this position for 30 seconds before switching sides. Repeat this action 2 to 3 times per side.
Balance Squat
To begin, place the CanDo® Economy Balance Board on the floor in front of you. Then, stand on the board with your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, slowly bend your knees to lower into a squat position. Be sure to keep your core tight and your butt out. Then, return to starting position by slowly lifting yourself back up by using those leg muscles. Repeat this process for 8 to 12 times.
Incorporating these exercises into your workout routine may help improve your proprioception and balance. If you are looking to take your fitness level up a notch or want to make your everyday tasks easier, you will want to give proprioception training a shot.
To check out the CanDo® Multi-Grip™ Exerciser, click here.
To check out the CanDo® Balance Pad, click here.
To check out the CanDo® Economy Balance Board, click here.
Article written by William Graves.