Lower Body Exercise for Seniors: Improve Strength and Balance

Before you start your exercise program, read these safety tips for lower body exercise:

• Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.

Hold onto a table or chair for balance when you used only one hand.

• As you progress, try holding on with only one fingertip. When you feel comfortable with one fingertip, try the following lower body exercises without holding on at all. Ask someone to watch you the first few times, in case you lose your balance.
• If you are very steady on your feet, move on to doing the exercises using no hands, with your eyes closed. Have someone stand close by if you are unsteady.

• Before You Start: Safety Tips for Balance Exercises
• Side Leg Raises: strengthen muscles at sides of hips and thighs
• Hip Flexion: strengthen thigh and hip muscles
• Hip Extension: strengthens buttock and lower-back muscles
• Balance Exercises You Can Do Anywhere, Anytime
• Balance Exercise: Checking Your Progress
• How much balance exercise do I need, and how often?