Our beautiful North Carolina features some stunning hiking trails, and there’s no better time than the summer for this reflective, nature-enjoying hobby. Preparations for a long hike probably include a water bottle and sunscreen, but don’t neglect your balance.
The Importance of Balance
Balance is your sense of place in the world, an awareness of where you’re standing, which way is up and which way is down. As we age, our sense of balance will naturally begin to deteriorate, and that’s when falls become a more serious concern. They can lead to injury, sometimes serious injury, with lasting consequences for health, quality of life and personal safety. Every year, millions of older adults (aged 65 and over) fall, and they’re the leading cause of hip fractures.
The first sign of balance issues is dizziness or lightheadedness, as well as feeling unsteady on your feet. It’s the top reason for a visit to the doctor’s office among adults over 70.
Ways to Prepare in Advance
You want to enjoy your outdoor hobby without worrying about taking a catastrophic tumble. You can strengthen your sense of balance by doing a few preparatory exercises. Your core and your legs are key muscle groups for maintaining balance: your core is your center of gravity, and your legs keep you steady. Strengthening these muscles will help you maintain balance and feel steady on your feet.
Also, as you plan your next hiking trip, make sure you choose an appropriate hiking trail that matches your abilities and comfort level. Aim for trails that don’t have any sharp inclines or high levels of elevation gain, and look for trails that are regularly maintained, so the trail will be smoother to walk on.
While You’re on the Trail
Hiking trails can pose many hazards. It’s possible to encounter rock hopping, fallen trees blocking the path, uneven steps, rough terrain, potholes, slippery surfaces and sand. One simple tool that can help you out is a set of trekking poles. Use these to get a stronger feel for the steadiness of the terrain and keep you upright.
If you find yourself going up an incline, focus your gaze intently on the trail. This focus strengthens your body’s sense of balance and spatial awareness. And don’t be afraid to take it slowly if you start feeling like it’s too much. In fact, the advice “take your time” applies to the entire hiking experience, not just when you’re going up or down an incline.
And finally, bring a friend with you, especially if you have a known balance issue.
Seeking Balance Help
Hiking is a wonderful hobby that gets you outside and is great exercise. Don’t let worries about balance stop you from enjoying doing what you love.
If you’ve noticed anything changing about your sense of balance recently, it would be wise to seek out a balance specialist. They can perform a balance assessment and determine if you have any kind of balance disorder. Getting this diagnosis will open up treatment options and hopefully get you back on the trails. Call Blue Ridge ENT today to learn more.