I Only Know Balance When I Lose It! y ou're not getting any younger, and you are not alone. The num- ber of older adults in the U.S. has grown to more than 36 million; couple that with the fact that Americans are more sedentary than ever before and we're got a problem. The problem is people are injur- ing themselves when they fall down. An important factor is understanding the intrinsic changes to gait and balance brought about by aging. Taking slower and shorter steps can make slipping (and fall- ing) more likely. Consider the wellness triad. The well- ness triad is made of mental, spiritual and physical health. Our physical wellness component, according to the American College of Sports Medicine, is made up of five categories. Most of us are familiar with the first four. They are aerobic exer- cise, strength training, flexibility and body composition (percent body fat). The last category is balance. We only seem to know it when we lose it. As inactive people grow older, the body loses strength, mobility and balance. Seemingly simple things like getting up from a chair, carrying groceries or putting away dishes are obvi- ous essential for good physical and mental heath. Whether it is for sport or activities of daily liv- ing, balance takes practice. Functional training uses exer- cise that replicates movements commonly used in the activities of daily living. Functional fitness training will enable the necessary level of fitness for an individual to take care of personal needs and to maintain an independent lifestyle. For example, a squat duplicates the action of getting in and out of a chair. Balance is made of several body sys- tems; receptors located in the skin, mus- cles and joints. Together, these receptors Remove Brown Spots. Restore Sun-damaged Skin. make up a sense of where one is in space. Our vision provides information on distance, from the relationship of our head and eyes to surrounding objects. The primary support system (body core) is used when the surface is unstable (such as when standing on a wobble board). The vestibular system includes the head position and movement in relation to gravity. This system helps clear up conflicting informa- tion from the previous two systems. Finally, our nervous system puts it all together and is responsible for our ability to balance. Although many areas are engaged and required to keep ourselves balanced, we can train all of the systems simultane- ously. Examples for strengthening all of these systems through functional training would be: (1) standing with your eyes open and then closed without holding on for assistance; (2) standing unassisted while your head is tilted back or to the side, again with eyes open or closed. The best ways for a client to train whether it is for a ski adventure or to have quality life is a well-rounded fitness pro- gram. Your overall fitness program should include a precise amount of stretching, core and stability training. Combined with cardiovascular and strength training, proper nutrition and rest, you should be perfectly balanced! Lori Burkow, M.Ed., C.P.T., is a recognized master trainer from the Idea Association and a Medical Exercise Specialist. The University of Michigan graduate in exercise science has a master's in education. Since 1990, she has been a full-time personal trainer at the West Bloomfield JCC and other metro locations. Call (248) 760-4108. Fall Specials IPL Skin Rejuvenation Package Your choice of... Free IPL Hands or Free Obagi Skin Care Gift Set. Laser Hair Removal Packages Buy one area... Get one area 50% OFF Botox, Juvederm, or Restylane $50 OFF ramance Love the way you look 373 S Old Woodward Ave Birmingham, MI 48009 248-723-7188 • 877-SPA-BIRM radiancebirmingham.com Medical Director: Dr. Gina Gora -Dworkin Free Parking Before 1367580 A36 August 28 • 2008 Laser Hair Removal • IPL Rejuvenation • Chemical Peels BOTOX • Juvederm • Restylane • Microdermabrasion European Facial • Massage • Manicure • Pedicure Not to be combined with any other specials, coupons, or offers. Limit t per customer.