By: Nancy Hawkins Rigg, Founder and owner, Forever Fit Foundation

Winter means ice and snow and the potential to slip and fall. As most of us know, even a small patch of ice can lead to a big fall. And with falls, there’s a concern for broken bones, or at the very least embarrassment accompanied by some bruises.

You know that falls can be prevented by removing the ice on your own driveways and sidewalks and by wearing boots or shoes with treads, but did you know there are some exercise systems that will boost your balance, increase your flexibility, sharpen your mental acuity and raise your confidence. Now that’s a great way to prevent a fall!

Have you ever tried standing on a Bosu? Try it. For the uninitiated, a Bosu is an odd looking, but very versatile and effective piece of exercise equipment. It actually looks like half a big blue ball with a flat surface attached, and that’s what it is. Stand on the rounded side and you’ll feel unstable until your brain adjusts and gives the proper feedback to your body. Remember there’s a learning curve here, particularly for adults. And if your trainer turns the Bosu over and asks you to stand on the flat surface, you’ll feel a wobbly sensation. If it’s your first time, she might offer some stability until your body and your mind adapt to this new place. Once you’re standing, she might ask you to try some exercises, like squats or lunges that are relatively easy if you are standing on a flat surface. Get the picture? Your trainer is creating situations in which you are physically unstable, developing balance that will come in handy if your feet come in contact with that icy patch. A trainer whose education and training are diverse will be able to offer even more.

Gyrotonic®, and its mat component, Gyrokinesis®, are exercise systems developed in Europe where they are used as a holistic approach not only for health and exercise, but also for physical therapy. Gyrotonic® relies on sturdy wooden apparatus that looks quite intimidating, but at the hands of a skilled trainer, clients embrace what it has to offer: relief from pain, increased range of motion and flexibility, improved strength and a sense of well being.

Gyrokinesis®, the mat component of the system, takes the client through a similar pattern of movements, and can be equally effective. At the very least, it’s certainly more portable. Both these systems incorporate movement, philosophies and benefits from yoga, tai chi, swimming and Pilates. They are non-competitive and are done with instruction from an instructor who must complete many hours of training, including continuing education certifications. A skilled trainer can provide a client with opportunities to develop balance, stability and confidence to lessen the impact of a fall. Remember, too, learning new things takes practice!

Slipping on the ice does not have to result in broken bones. Increased stability and flexibility aside, you still might end up with a bruise, but you will also be able to get up and dust yourself off, then hope for warmer weather.

Nancy Hawkins Rigg is the founder and owner of Forever Fit Foundation, a personal training business specializing in Pilates, Gyrotonic, Gyrokinesis, Yamuna Body Rolling and sport specific training. Forever Fit Foundation accepts clients at three sites: Dover and Lewes and Mendenhall Station, Pa., just over the Delaware line. A certified athletic trainer, she earned her bachelors degree from the University of Delaware and her master’s degree in exercise science and sports medicine from Miami University in Ohio. Please call (302) 423-1816 or (302) 698-5201 to schedule an appointment or for more information.

Publisher’s Note on Forever Fit Foundation:
It has been several years since I started taking Pilates with Forever Fit, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with a program. Each session is something new and challenging. My posture and flexibility have improved unbelievably. If you have ever thought of trying Pilates, but haven’t, then you owe it to yourself to at least try it once. Because once you do, you will never want to stop.