Hmm, what do you think of this for a hobby.

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/vid...llage/uftrwrg9

If this link doesn't work it is on the MSN home page....

I clearly would be saving for a place in the ground, forget the mattress.

Couple of weeks ago saw a PT who gave me some basic balance exercises. Hard to do! But -- when I remember to do them I seem to walk with more confidence, so believe they are helpful for preserving mobility.

Cowboy

So maybe this isn't a good idea for me???

some hobby, you can have it all to yourself cyclelops, I would'nt get past the mattress.

Lesley

I gave up on balance exercise after working very hard on them for some months at the hospital gym. I didn't improve any, and the physio said that I was unlikely too. Actually after 6 weeks they said that I was unlikely to improve seeing I had shown no signs of improving, but I decided to do another 6 weeks or so just to be absolutely sure.

So, since then I have just worked on staying as active as I possibly can, and using a range of mobility aids (mostly my walker) to keep me safe. I still fall over some, but I seem to bounce ok.

But, I would totally recommend balance exercises as I saw many other people at the gym improve on similar regimes to me.

cheers
raglet

Did I mention I am afraid of heights?

Balancing exercises do help with re-establishing nerve communication links between your brain and feet/arms as well as building core strength. I highly recommend gentle yoga exercise for those still physically able to do it. You can use a wall or chair for extra balance support.

Gentle yoga does not include twisting your body into a pretzel... it is gentle movements and stretching along with gentle breathing exercises. I forget all about my symptoms while doing yoga and feel much better at the end of a session.

There are different types and teaching methods for yoga, so you have to find and instructor or class that works best for your needs. I'm fortunate to have found a well rounded experienced teacher that has taught us to better listen to our bodies while doing yoga exercises to target those specific problem areas which may vary from day to day.

I remember Wings who posted on the old site recommended the Iyengar method of yoga to help improve balance. I was never able to find anyone in my area who taught it though.

Where is he?