If you still consider yourself an athlete, or at least someone who wants to keep doing the things you love, balance training needs to be part of your routine.

At Natural Wellness Physiotherapy in Wichita, we often remind people that “aging athlete” really just means “human who wants to stay capable.” You don’t need to be a competitive runner or CrossFit athlete for balance to matter. If you hike, golf, chase kids or grandkids, lift weights, garden, or simply want to move confidently through life and feel good in your body, balance is essential.

The good news? Balance is one of the most trainable systems in your body.

Balance is trainable - and one of the first things we lose

Balance relies on multiple systems working together:

• Your muscles and joints

• Your nervous system

• Your vision

• Your inner ear (vestibular system)

As we age, these systems naturally become less efficient, especially if we don’t challenge them. Unlike strength or cardio, balance doesn’t get trained automatically through daily life anymore. Flat shoes, flat surfaces, and lots of sitting mean fewer opportunities to challenge stability.

Without intentional balance training, we often see:

• Slower reaction times

• Decreased coordination

• Reduced confidence with movement

• Increased risk of falls and injuries

As we age, this can show up as lingering injuries, loss of performance, or feeling “off” during activities that used to feel easy.

Better balance supports performance and longevity

Balance isn’t just about preventing falls—it’s about staying capable.

Improving or maintaining balance can help you:

• Move more efficiently and powerfully

• Recover faster from trips, slips, or uneven terrain

• Reduce injury risk

• Maintain confidence during sport and daily activities

• Continue training, hiking, running, and lifting as you age

Longevity isn’t about slowing down.

It’s about staying quick, coordinated, and confident.

You don’t need fancy equipment to train balance

One of the biggest misconceptions about balance training is that it requires special tools or long workouts. In reality, some of the most effective balance exercises are simple and can be built into your day.

As Dr. Kiersten demonstrates in the video below, everyday balance challenges can include:

• Single-leg stands

• Narrow stance positions

• Tandem stance (heel-to-toe)

• Changing surfaces or head position

You can even practice balance while brushing your teeth, doing dishes, or waiting for your coffee to brew.

Small, consistent challenges add up, especially when they’re progressed appropriately.

Why progression matters in balance training

While simple balance drills are a great starting point, random exercises won’t lead to long-term improvements.

Just like strength training, balance needs progression:

• Changing base of support

• Adding movement

• Introducing load or distraction

• Challenging vision or reaction time

This is where working with a physical therapist or performance specialist makes a difference. The goal isn’t just to “stand on one leg,” but to train balance in a way that carries over to your real life and sport.

How Natural Wellness Physiotherapy can help

At Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, we help aging athletes and active adults in Wichita train balance with intention.

Whether you’re:

• Recovering from an injury

• Noticing changes in coordination or confidence

• Wanting to stay active long-term

• Looking to improve performance and resilience

Our team can create a personalized plan that fits your goals, your lifestyle, and your current abilities.

Balance doesn’t have to decline with age, but it does require attention.

If you want help improving or maintaining your balance as you age, we’re here to help you stay capable for years to come.

👉 Contact our team to get started with a customized balance and performance plan.