Lets Talk About Balance
We need balance in our lives—both in our bodies and in our emotions. It’s something most of us are always trying to improve, whether it’s finding the sweet spot between work and play, or just staying upright when things get a little wobbly. As we get older, balance can feel trickier, and our confidence might take a hit.
When I meet new clients, one of the first things I ask is, “How would you rate your balance?” Nobody ever says, “it’s amazing!”—not even me! I think my balance is pretty good, but there’s always room to get better.
Most people blame weak legs, a not-so-strong core, or a lack of flexibility for their balance struggles. And while those all matter, I believe there’s more to the story.
In the fitness and movement world, we don’t talk enough about the systems behind our sense of balance—especially when working with older adults. You actually need three systems working together to keep you steady: your Visual System, Vestibular System, and Proprioceptive System. And fun fact: you really only need two to do a pretty good job!
Here’s a quick rundown of each:
- Visual System: This is how your brain makes sense of the things your eyes see. It’s always sorting through what’s important and what’s just background noise. Sometimes it gets distracted, so it isn’t always perfect.
- Vestibular System: This is in your inner ear, where tiny canals and fluids help your brain figure out which way your head is moving or tilting. It’s constantly adjusting as you move.
- Proprioceptive System: This one’s about understanding where your body is in space, thanks to sensors in your muscles, joints, and skin. It helps you know if you can squeeze through a doorway or judge how far to step.
Don’t get me wrong—strong muscles and flexibility do help with balance, so keep working on those! But if one of these systems (especially your inner ear) isn’t working right, balance can still be a struggle
Balance isn’t just about muscle or flexibility—it’s a team effort involving your eyes, ears, and body awareness. Over the coming months, I’ll share simple ways to help each of these systems, so you can feel steady, confident, and strong—no matter your age. Keep moving, keep learning, and remember: balance is something we can always keep improving!
“I look forward to my sessions with Marion as special self-care treats that keep me feeling healthy and strong. She’s an intuitive and delightful Pilates guide.”
– MS –
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