Clearing up a misunderstanding about improving ‘balance’

Balance involves localised muscle reflexes.  Our joints and surrounding soft tissues sense position and a sudden change in position, sufficient to destabilise the body, causes reflexive activation of muscles to keep us stable.  As we age, these reflexes tend to soften leading to more falls.  The reflex itself can be strengthened by practicing small stabilising actions, e.g. standing on one leg, but what the reflex actually expresses is tissue strength.  Of the two components: the reflex, and the muscles activated by it, tissue stiffness and strength is the biggest factor.  Isolating or subtly provoking the reflex, for example ankle balancing, is far less effective in improving balance than a whole movement program involving control of body position: big movements like aeroplanes, single leg squats, and step ups strengthening function on many levels including balance.  Note: where the feet and ankles are concerned, spend more time moving barefoot.