Most Balance Exercises DON’T WORK! What to Do Instead (50+)

In this video, Farnham's leading over-50s specialist physio, Will Harlow, reveals why most balance exercises don't work and what to do instead. Perfect for ages 50+ and seniors.

*About Will Harlow*

**Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video. Use of this information is strictly at your own risk. Will Harlow will not assume any liability for direct or indirect losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained in this video including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.**

[GCBH]

This humbled me Will. I watched this video and thought pfft … easy peasy. I was like a baby taking its first steps. I did get a bit better on my 10th lap. But I think this needs to be done daily (to anyone else reading this comment, just incorporate it into your daily movement routine 😂) Thanks Will. This really was quite the eye opener. I’ve named it “The Humbler”

[lifeisgood]

I considered myself having good balance for being 67. I was surprised that I wobbled a bit at the first heel to toe exercise and shocked at the challenge I had when I looked around while doing it. Thank you for this exercise. I intend to keep it up.

[suzzem]

This is amazing information for me because I have MS for well over 20 years now and every time I see the neurologist he gets me to try this - and I absolutely can't - I fall over straight away (saved by a supporting hand before doing any damage !). So, it is noted that I still don't have good balance - and that's it ! The neurologist has never told me to practise this safely on a regular basis. And no physiotherapist has ever got me to do practise it either .... Thanks to you I can now see the usefulness of trying it every day. You really are the BEST, Will 🥰🥰

[HowardWolff-cumk]

85years old always find your videos are a pleasure. Cape Town south Africa.

[semperfidelification]

Wobbling also helps our stabilizing muscles

[annehersey]

75 year old American here and I just love your videos Will! Your voice is very calming and you don’t talk down to your audience like we’re batty. I’ve sent your videos to others because I also like that you usually have 3 versions working the same area so gives us goals to work towards. Thanks for all you do!😊

[geekcrossing]

Great suggestion. I've been static balancing (on one foot) while brushing my teeth (to make sure it happens daily). Will start toeing the line!

[fronniebealer]

I have been surprised that the exercises do not take me very long to get better at them. They make a real difference.

[Wellbaby]

Great! At 82 I have always had mild vertigo, so balance practice is essential. No one has ever presented the dynamic balancing to me. Thank you.

[wombat.]

Thank you!!!! I love how I can always start your exercises. No equipment, no going out. Things I can actually do, in spite of my difficulties. Simple things and so well explained.

Depression =very low motivation and low executive function brain. Psoriasis arthritis=random pain which increases depression.

[gregclare]

I was taught this exercise several years ago. But this is the first time that the benefit of it has been explained, and explained so well.

[bhupinderjitparmar]

Here in Canada most of the physiotherapist recommend this exercise for balance . Walking like that forward and then backwards. Thanks for everything you do for us.

[ruthkult]

60 year old here with one very weak ankle. This is a great exercise! Didn't have any problem until I started looking around. Then I did get some wobbles! Easy addition to my daily routine!💛

[DanWahlberg]

Both Vipasana and Zen Buddhist Meditation include Walking Meditation which I do with eyes closed to improve my Tai-Chi and balance.

[hirasu]

I just had to return to this video to say THANK YOU 😊. I followed the advice for about ten days and can now do the tightrope walk slowly and while looking around. Whereas I was wobbling and had to look down. Most of all, it has added to my enjoyment of activities like sightseeing and golf, and just daily life. Thank you again.

[francescaseyer]

Absolutely helpful advice, thank you! I am 63 and have been practicing yoga for 20 years, always thinking that the static standing poses would help me not fall and injure myself. They actually did help in a way: I did fall on time because I didn’t see the dip in the pavement, and perhaps because yoga had taught me body awareness, my body instinctively protected itself by allowing the impact of the fall to be absorbed on multiple contact points (especially both palms and both knees). My face was unjured, no broken bones thankfully, just a scraped knee and a tear on my pants. Nevertheless, your video today is an eye-opener for me because as you said - as in my case exactly - it’s when we are moving that we will most likely fall, not when we are static. So a big thanks for your invaluable advice 🙏 I love watching your channel and your tips have helped improve so much in my life.

[lanipowell]

You're hitting the mark with all your videos. Thank you!

[Annemie]

Watching from Belgium. Another exercise I do regularly is to step over a kind of obstacle, a book for example or a shoe.

[suegilmore]

I use kitchen floor tiles as a guide and practice when answering the phone. Walking backwards is good practice with the worktops nearby. Thanks Will 😊

[AnnaKallenberg-vt]

Another great video, Will. I practice standing on one foot at a time each day and have added a greater challenge of doing it for a short time with my eyes closed....I'm not too successful with that, yet.