HT find something for balance.

[Jada59]

And by balance, I mean something to keep me from falling over.

I've been doing calf raises. I did these all the time when I was younger, either standing on a phone book or step. But back then, I lived in different places with things to hang onto if needed, and my balance was much better.

What I have now is a low exercise step. To do the exercise, I put my toes on the step, then lower my heels, then raise up onto my toes and repeat.

But due to the layout of this house, I have nothing good to hang onto in my family room. I've been using the back of a folding chair but I'm tall and the step raises me higher so I have to bend. That's doing a number on my back.

I thought about buying a portable ballet barre but none seem suitable. Weight limit of anywhere from 65 to 110 pounds. And many are too low as they're designed for kids.

I did find physio bars but those aren't very portable, are large and cost a fortune.

I found a barre that claimed to have a 300 pound weight limit. It's designed for barre workouts and has rather sharp looking pieces on the sides. Those are for holding weights. I thought... Great! I don't have a weight rack! But then I read the reviews. Not good. Not sturdy and a man sustained a neck injury when the thing collapsed on him.

I even looked for some kind of small, cheap chair with a high back but only found sets of 4 and I already have plenty of chairs. Just not the right ones for this.

Is there something I could use that I'm not thinking of? Thanks!

 

[davion2308]

I've run gyms

I operated gyms and wellness centers for years so I can help.

Finding something for balance is good when you're practicing but if you are constantly falling over or losing your balance, you may be doing the calf raises too explosively.

You want a nice smooooooooth controlled up and down. It shouldn't be like you're hopping without leaving the ground. Controlled and steady motion up and down is the best way to work the calves.

And if balance is an issue, start on the ground before you add decline ( bringing your heels below your toes ). Use a wall and gently put two fingers against it to steady yourself.

The balance is more important than raw strength and explosiveness for calf raises. Once you develop more balance, then you can challenge yourself more by adding instability, like standing on a pillow a couch cushion on the floor.

Try those things first, nice and slow reps, and develop that balance.

Good luck!

 

[Jada59]

I operated gyms and wellness centers for years so I can help.

Finding something for balance is good when you're practicing but if you are constantly falling over or losing your balance, you may be doing the calf raises too explosively.

You want a nice smooooooooth controlled up and down. It shouldn't be like you're hopping without leaving the ground. Controlled and steady motion up and down is the best way to work the calves.

And if balance is an issue, start on the ground before you add decline ( bringing your heels below your toes ). Use a wall and gently put two fingers against it to steady yourself.

The balance is more important than raw strength and explosiveness for calf raises. Once you develop more balance, then you can challenge yourself more by adding instability, like standing on a pillow a couch cushion on the floor.

Try those things first, nice and slow reps, and develop that balance.

Good luck!

Thanks! I have asst. medical problems so that's why I lose my balance.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Do you have any crutches? Use one to hold onto in front of yourself. It can probably be adjusted to be as tall as you need it to be.

 

[AlwaysInTrouble]

If you can find about a 10' square (3m^2) indoors or outdoors, Tai Chi is an excellent way to build balance and strength in a low-impact way. Plenty of free instructional videos on the various styles/forms via YouTube or AMZN Prime Video. I recommend the Yang style for beginners.

Good luck,
AIT

 

[TarnishedPenny]

Sally Anne or similar for a used chair or even a walker?

 

[AloneTooLong]

sturdy barstool with a nice sturdy back? Most are taller than a chair and usually can be purchased individually.

 

[Jada59]

Do you have any crutches? Use one to hold onto in front of yourself. It can probably be adjusted to be as tall as you need it to be.

No crutches, but a crutch would not be stable.

 

[Jada59]

If you can find about a 10' square (3m^2) indoors or outdoors, Tai Chi is an excellent way to build balance and strength in a low-impact way. Plenty of free instructional videos on the various styles/forms via YouTube or AMZN Prime Video. I recommend the Yang style for beginners.

Good luck,
AIT

I don't think I can do Tai Chi. My dad used to do it. I also don't think I can build balance as my nerves are not going to regenerate.

 

[Jada59]

Sally Anne or similar for a used chair or even a walker?

I have a walker but with wheels. There is no way I could ever use it, because wheels, but the hospital insisted that I get one. Used to have one with no wheels but it wouldn't be tall enough. I don't know what a Sally Anne is but we no one is selling used furniture right now because of Covid.

 

[Jada59]

sturdy barstool with a nice sturdy back? Most are taller than a chair and usually can be purchased individually.

I thought of that but all the ones I've found with backs have swivel seats.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

You might want to try something like this... the height is adjustable and no wheels.

Walker without wheels.

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61ImtgAFqLL._AC_SL1500_.jpg

 

[jehoram]

Not sure what those levers below the grip area are for. On walkers with wheels, they're usually for brakes, but this one has no wheels.

 

[Jada59]

Not sure what those levers below the grip area are for. On walkers with wheels, they're usually for brakes, but this one has no wheels.

Yeah, weird. I had one without wheels. Won't work for what I need. Won't go up high enough. Pretty sure the one I have with wheels has no brakes, which is why it's useless for me.

 

[AloneTooLong]

non-swivel bar stools with backs: https://www.hayneedle.com/furniture/bar-stools_swivel-without-swivel_list_187192_29970

 

[Jada59]

non-swivel bar stools with backs: https://www.hayneedle.com/furniture/bar-stools_swivel-without-swivel_list_187192_29970

Thanks! I will keep those in mind!

 

[bailadora]

https://zelusfitness.com/products/f...MIwY7Qtcvt7AIVBW-GCh1iBw6CEAQYCiABEgKo3vD_BwE

Might be more than you want to spend, but adjustable up to 5 ft and 330lb weight limit.

 

[Zeb_Carter]

Not sure what those levers below the grip area are for. On walkers with wheels, they're usually for brakes, but this one has no wheels.

They are used to fold the device when not in use.

 

[twister947]

I am 6 feet tall and use the kitchen sink and /or countertops for PT.

 

[Jada59]

I am 6 feet tall and use the kitchen sink and /or countertops for PT.

I had thought of that. Would just be a PITA to take the step in and out of there. And my kitchen is small. But I could try that. Thanks!

 

[NightL]

Just get your two lovers either side of you Jada - each out, hold and squeeze

 

[Jada59]

Just get your two lovers either side of you Jada - each out, hold and squeeze

Well, that would work quite well indeed!

 

[AveryElle]

You can buy a low step - I have one for working out at home, early quarantine amazon purchase - but you can hold onto any chair. That said, is there a reason it’s just for calves? I don’t know you so maybe I missed details but balance is also a function of core. My mom had some balance issues and her trainer, aside from working with her on lower body strength (going up and down stairs without holding onto the railing, for example), he also worked her core because some additional strength there can help keep your balance overall. A balance disc is also a helpful tool.

Not sure if that’s helpful but good luck!

 

[Jada59]

You can buy a low step - I have one for working out at home, early quarantine amazon purchase - but you can hold onto any chair. That said, is there a reason it’s just for calves? I don’t know you so maybe I missed details but balance is also a function of core. My mom had some balance issues and her trainer, aside from working with her on lower body strength (going up and down stairs without holding onto the railing, for example), he also worked her core because some additional strength there can help keep your balance overall. A balance disc is also a helpful tool.

Not sure if that’s helpful but good luck!

I have a low step. I'm not using it as a stepper. I'm using it only for calf stretches. Due to asst. medical problems, I get tight muscles. I can't use *any* chair because all the chairs I have. have backs that are too low. I have to bend from the waist and that's not good form. There's no way I could use a disc. I'd fall right off.

 

[Jada59]

Update! Ifound the perfect chair from Staples. It's called a b9nquet chair. I already have some, but this one is bigger, both wider and taller. Perfect for both seated exercises and hanging onto the back for balance. Was less than $50 too!