Body awareness, or kinesthesia, can be defined as the awareness of the position and movement of body parts in relation to muscles and joints.  Both the proprioceptive and vestibular systems are in play during every waking moment in our lives.

Proprioceptive is how our body is able to sense its location, movements, and actions without us focusing intently on it.  And, in the most basic of terms, the vestibular system includes parts of the brain and inner ear that integrate sensory inputs which control balance.

Body Awareness is the Cornerstone of Balance & Fall Prevention

In a nutshell, both systems determine how we perceive where our body is in space and what it is doing.  As we age, this awareness becomes even more critical to our safety because it is the cornerstone of balance and fall prevention.

Body awareness can also be extrapolated to an array of body cues.  This ranges from thirst, hunger, tiredness, or just a general feeling of well being to the lack thereof.  Body awareness can also help a person recognize when they have exercised too much or just the right amount.

The benefits of good body awareness span the spectrum of our physical and emotional health. As mentioned previously, the most obvious physical benefit to help us as we age, is better balance and stability.  One of the simplest ways to test, as well as improve your balance, is to walk backwards in a safe and clutter-free environment.

Friends Life Care reminds you that you should always put safety first — Do not do this or do this alone if you have even the slightest concern about your balance. Rather, find a fitness trainer, trusted friend or family member to walk alongside, guide you and ensure your safety.  And always check with your physician before beginning or changing any exercise program.

 

Recommendation for Consistent Exercise

As a certified fitness trainer, I can recommend maintaining a consistent exercise program that includes resistance training (anaerobic) such as but not limited to, lifting weights, as well as aerobic exercise such as brisk walking, running or dancing.   Such a program should be tailored to you, your abilities and goals.

Engaging in such activities gives your body direct feedback and enhances your mind and body awareness connection. I have found that focused and introspective attention to your body and your mind and how they are intertwined with each other can be very revealing and beneficial, even spiritual.

Try a Meditative “Body Scan”

Finally, one of my favorite ways to provide and enhance body awareness — besides working out — is to regularly perform a meditative “body scan”.  To do this, you start by finding a solitary peaceful environment.  Then you methodically observe and direct your thoughts in a non-judgmental manner as you assess and connect with your physical body parts and being.

 

Contributed by:

Glenn Kohler, CFT, ISSA Certified (International Sports Sciences Association), Kettlebell Trained

Although Glenn has been a fitness enthusiast his entire life, he spent 15 years of his adult career working with special needs populations as a counselor, supervisor and teacher. Over 20 years ago, he decided to follow his passion for health & fitness.  And he studied at the Boulder College of Massage Therapy and became a certified Fitness Trainer. He has been working in the Health & Wellness field ever since.

Glenn has a varied client base ranging from aspiring athletes to ex-couch-potatoes to people with physical limitations to seniors. Glenn knows when to challenge and when to be gentle, yet still achieving results. He’s personable, good natured, and meets his clients where they’re at.  His focus is on individualizing each person’s routine.

Glenn’s training philosophy is creating workouts that include functional, whole body exercises with the emphasis on core development. He can also incorporate his knowledge of Kettlebell training. Kettlebells are one the leading exercise modalities that focus on core strength.

Visit his website at Kohler Fitness

Contact Glenn via this link.

 

 

Friends Life Care is a mission-driven Quaker value based nonprofit that — for over 30 years — has been helping older adults — especially Friends Life Care members — to thrive at home as they age.  If you are not yet a Friends Life Care member, connect with us and get the answers you need from one of our Plan Counselors on the benefits joining.  

Membership is open to people aged 40 – 85, in reasonably good health who are residents of southeastern Pennsylvania or Delaware.