Over the weekend, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Empower convention held in Detroit.
The focus of my attendance was a certification course on Bosu Stability and Mobility tailored specifically for the Active Aging Population.
With seniors’ stability and mobility being paramount in the fitness industry, the significance of this course became evident. Among the elderly, falling is a leading cause of severe injuries.
Utilizing Bosu exercises can prove instrumental in enhancing the mobility and stability of seniors.
By engaging in activities that target balance, flexibility, and joint mobility, seniors can take crucial steps toward leading safer and less stressful lives.
During the course, I had the pleasure of meeting an extraordinary woman named Bernadette, affectionately known as “Super Betty” O’Brien.
Betty, an 84-year-old AFAA certified trainer, showcased her remarkable physical condition.
Betty’s fitness regimen incorporates Bosu exercises in conjunction with other bodyweight training techniques, enabling her to perform a wide range of movements including squats, lunges, overhead presses, and the five essential movement patterns.
The Bosu Balance Trainer®, renowned for its dome height and instability, provides a stepping stone for seniors who often struggle with transitioning between standing and ground-level positions.
Moreover, balance plays a pivotal role in the well-being of the active aging population.
The versatility of Bosu exercises allows for easy regression and progression, empowering seniors to enhance their balance and feel more at ease in both ordinary and awkward positions.
Later on, we will delve into specific exercises that effectively achieve these objectives.
Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting Erika Quest, a long-time advocate of the Bosu Balance Trainer®.
Erika was instrumental in developing the first Bosu/Pilates combination classes and routines, making her an exceptional instructor for those residing in California.
Both Erika and Betty provided detailed insights into how each Bosu exercise benefits specific movement patterns relevant to the active aging population.
Improving stabilizer muscles and core strength stands as a pivotal component of any exercise program, particularly when it comes to senior fitness.
Here are a couple of examples highlighting the benefits of Bosu exercises for the senior population:
1. Toe Taps and Side Steps
The Bosu Balance Trainer® proves invaluable for balance enhancement through exercises like toe taps and stepping up and down onto the dome.
By working on the dome, individuals learn to engage their entire bodies.
Balancing on the Bosu while stepping onto the dome challenges the core, legs, and ankles, significantly improving balance.
There are various methods for performing these exercises, such as tapping the dome with your foot to experience the instability, performing side steps over the dome, stepping onto the dome and then stepping back down, or combining these movements.
2. Bosu Falls
While Bosu Falls may present a more challenging exercise, its direct applicability to daily life makes it particularly valuable.
By intentionally shifting their center of gravity outside their bodies, seniors can train themselves to be prepared for situations where balance may be compromised.
To perform the Bosu Fall, simply stand 1-2 feet away from the Bosu Balance Trainer® and allow yourself to fall toward it.
As you begin to fall, catch yourself with one foot. This exercise enhances leg and core strength, ankle and knee stability, and assists seniors in overcoming their fear of falling by familiarizing them with the sensation.
By embracing Bosu exercises tailored to the needs of the active aging population, seniors can experience substantial improvements in balance, mobility, and overall well-being.
These exercises, exemplified by toe taps, side steps, and Bosu Falls, directly benefit seniors and their unique movement patterns.
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