Lack of flexibility makes it difficult for your joints to move naturally across their complete range of motion. Stability is maintained through balance whether you’re standing still or moving about.

Suitable flexibility drills include:

• Both still-position stretches and dynamic stretches.
• Yoga.
• Pilates.

You probably already practice balance-improving activities like walking, hiking, cycling, golf, tennis, or strength training if you’re active (especially core-strength training). But because balance often deteriorates with age, if you’re an older adult wishing to enhance your balance, in particular, you can do so by trying:

• Tai chi, Pilates, or yoga.
• Exercises include walking backwards, utilizing a wobble board, or standing on one leg.
• Strengthening the muscles in your legs, back, and abdomen.

Why it’s excellent for you: Flexibility keeps your body limber and expands your range of motion for sports as well as regular physical activities like reaching, bending to tie your shoes, glancing behind you while driving, and so on. Stretching and lengthening muscles with flexibility exercises also helps:

• Maintain flexible, injury-resistant muscles and joints.
• Stop back pain.
• Boost your sporting prowess.
• Avoid balance issues.
• Boost circulation
• Reduce stress and tension while encouraging relaxation.

As you get older, balance exercises can improve your posture and lower your chance of falling.