Dr. Jacob Van Den Meerendonk<\/a>, a physical therapist who does not endorse this specific product, explained that \u201ca balance pad makes your body work harder to stay upright because the surface underneath you is constantly changing. That means your muscles have to make continuous adjustments while your brain processes information from the vision, inner ear and the rest of your body to keep you stable.\u201d<\/p>\n Physical therapist Dr. Sarah Cash Crawford<\/a>, founder of Anchor Wellness<\/a> and WAVE Physical Therapy,<\/a> in Cincinnati, Ohio, added that, \u201c[p]racticing on this unstable surface trains the neuromuscular system to react faster and more efficiently, which translates into better balance and reaction time on real-world uneven ground, like sidewalks, grass, or stairs.\u201d (Crawford offered this info without an endorsement of any specific balance pad or brand.)<\/p>\n Both experts agree that pretty much everyone would benefit from incorporating a balance pad<\/a> into their workout routine. Van Den Meerendonk said, \u201cI use balance pads with athletes recovering from ankle injuries, people recovering from knee or hip surgery, individuals with neurological conditions, older adults working on fall prevention and even kids developing coordination. This is because balance plays a role in almost every movement we make.\u201d Crawford agreed, noting that \u201cOlder adults in particular stand to benefit significantly.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFalls are one of the leading causes of injury in older adults,\u201d Crawford said, \u201cBalance pad training directly targets the systems that break down first: ankle stability, reaction time, and the ability to make quick postural corrections, so practicing on one can meaningfully reduce fall risk.\u201d She also likes that it\u2019s a low-impact exercise that can be done seated or with support, \u201cmaking it an accessible entry point for building confidence and independence in everyday movement.\u201d<\/p>\n But even if you aren\u2019t a senior or specifically training to maintain balance and avoid falls, a balance pad<\/a> can be meaningfully incorporated into a regular fitness routine with great benefit. \u201cOne of the things I like most about using balance pads is how versatile they are,\u201d said Van Den Meerendonk. \u201cMost people think the best way to utilize them is to stand on them, but we use them for much more than that in physical therapy.\u201d He has used them for everything from strength exercises like squats, lunges, and single-leg work to planks and push-ups to challenge shoulder stability and core control.<\/p>\n According to Crawford, because the unstable surface forces small stabilizing muscles to fire continuously just to stay in position, it helps to build strength over time in those specific muscles. She said, \u201cIt also increases the difficulty of an exercise without adding external load or weight, since your body has to work harder to control itself, which is a useful strength progression tool for people who aren\u2019t ready for heavier resistance.\u201d<\/p>\n Available in three colors and four sizes, this cushy foam pad is made with a resilient TPE material that is sweat- and slip-proof with just the right amount of give. It can even be used as a seat cushion or knee pad, making it a great versatile investment. <\/p>\n The ProsourceFit balance pad<\/a> is a popular option on Amazon<\/a> that has shoppers glowing reviews. It has a whopping 4.8 out of 5 stars total and over 12,700 5-star ratings. That\u2019s certainly nothing to sneeze at in an oversaturated market. Below, you can read what real people who have purchased this balance pad think, there\u2019s a good chance they\u2019ll convince you to snag one for yourself. <\/p>\n \u201cGreat balance tool<\/strong>. I bought this when I was released from PT so I could continue with my exercises. I have been doing my single leg balance exercises while I brush my and it has kept everything strong<\/strong>. It is easy to use, a reasonable size, and can be used anywhere<\/strong>.\u201d \u2014 paiz2kids<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI bought this to add a degree of difficult to the balance exercises I am doing. I got the XL size since I have big feet. It is large enough for me to use for a toe to heel stance on the diagonal. It is thick and springy and the textured surface prevents it from sliding on my hardwood floor<\/strong>. I am happy with the quality and use it every day. Good addition to my routine<\/strong>.\u201d \u2014 Cat<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cSturdy and soft<\/strong>. Originally, I purchased this to help me with some balance exercise exercises<\/strong>. It worked excellent for that and it continues to do the trick for my routine. However, I also find it myself using it [on] occasions when I need to get on the ground. So ended up doubling in purpose. I feel like I solve two problems for the price of one.<\/strong>\u201d \u2014 Happy 2 Buy<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m 76 years old and had very bad balance. I was hospitalized because of a very serious fall. And my Ins. provided me with a PT trainer. She showed me a regiment of exercise exercises and then we worked with a balance pad. So I bought this pad and I\u2019m very happy with it<\/strong>. I use it almost every day in my exercise routine and it\u2019s helped me tremendously<\/strong>. I do caution users with using this pad, especially if you\u2019re by yourself to take all precautions when using it. I was shown to use it in front of a sink, preferably the kitchen sink so you have something stable to hang onto. I\u2019ve been using the Matt now for two months and I can do my balance exercises near the sink free handed, but if I feel I\u2019m off balance, it\u2019s so easy to grab onto the sink. The instruction book that\u2019s included is way out of my range. I showed it to my trainer and she even admitted some of the exercises would be a little hard for her, so don\u2019t give up with a little tenacity it should improve your balance.<\/strong>\u201d \u2014 Jan Dean<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis is exactly like the one I use at PT, it is a great tool to use for balancing. I use this every day<\/strong>, I would definitely order it again.\u201d \u2014Lava<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThis really helped me gain my balance and strengthen my ankles.<\/strong> My granddaughter that is 12 also tried using it and she thinks it helps. This is the same thickness that they had at physical therapy<\/strong> that I was paying to go to every week so it\u2019s so much better to be able to do it at home and make progress in my balance.\u201d \u2014Lee Fennell<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI have two artificial knees<\/strong> and cannot get down on my knees for exercising like doing my yoga poses. But this pillow is amazing<\/strong>. It is stiff enough to support my weight but soft enough that my knees are cushioned for kneeling. I use it almost daily and have owned it for almost 6 months.<\/strong> It doesn\u2019t show any sign of wear. Love it.\u201d \u2014Glassy Dragon<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cUsed a similar item in PT following foot and ankle surgery. Wanted one for myself so I could practice\/exercise at home. Great quality and use it every day<\/strong>.\u201d \u2014 Amazon customer<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Take a look at a few other products from previous HuffPost reporting that can help older folks or those with mobility issues do everyday tasks like grocery shopping more easily.<\/p>\n Amazon<\/p>\n Grab a grabber<\/p>\n The number one tool Ellis and Wynne recommend for accessibility in grocery shopping \u2014 an extender grabber<\/a>. It’s a super handy device that can help you reach high or low products, saving you from bending or over-extending. This pack comes with two, 34-inch extenders with a rotating jaw. These boast a 4.8 overall rating, with thousands of 5-star reviews noting how great they are for grocery shopping <\/a>and wheelchair users. <\/a><\/p>\n Bonus: They’re also plenty useful at home if you have high cabinets and shelves or trouble bending to reach things.<\/p>\n Amazon<\/p>\n Opt for a dolly cart with stair-friendly wheels<\/p>\n Another great cart option, this folding, lightweight \u201cStair Climber\u201d cart<\/a> is collapsible and can carry up to 150 pounds. It’s made with two trios of wheels that easily go up and down stairs. Find it in blue, red and black all with eight compartments. <\/p>\n Promising review<\/strong>: “I was getting so tired of making several trips to my car to retrieve my groceries after each shopping trip. I saw this trolley on Amazon and decided to buy it. Best purchase ever. I now can bring all my groceries in with one trip to the car. I also love that its wheel design allow the trolley to climb my front steps making it so easy for me.<\/strong> I have used it in the house to help me carry things upstairs and the climbing feature makes it safe and easy for me. If you\u2019re trying to decide on buying one, I highly recommend it. I\u2019m a senior citizen and I wouldn\u2019t be without it. It also folds Down pretty well for storing.” \u2014 m Robinson<\/a><\/p>\n Amazon<\/p>\n Or a more classic folding cart that will go anywhere<\/p>\n Whether you take this into the store and use it around or just use it to bring your bagged groceries into your house, this foldable cart<\/a> will be a welcome addition to your home. This is an extra-large option that can hold 50-70 pounds with two baskets, 360-degree swivel wheels and a foam-covered handle.<\/p>\n Promising review:<\/strong> “I order this for my mom and she loves it. The height is perfect for her so that she does not have to bend over. (Mom is 5’8″) Very sturdy construction. Large enough to carry her groceries. And the smaller attached basket is a bonus. She loves it!” \u2014 Sheila<\/a><\/p>\n “This makes hauling groceries up my steps much easier and can usually do 6 bags in one trip. Love it” \u2014 Kindle Customer<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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