Finding Balance

By: Mindy Eisenberg, MHSA, C-IAYT, ERYT-500 with Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, YMMS

As we age, it’s common to feel a little less steady. That’s normal—but also something you can improve. Balance isn’t just about standing on one leg. It’s a skill your body uses every day—when you walk, stand up, or reach for something. Good balance helps you move safely, stay confident, and remain independent.

Balance relies on several systems working together:

• Your eyes help with orientation
• Your inner ears sense motion
• Your muscles and joints keep you upright
• Your brain processes all of it and adjusts your posture

Over time, these systems naturally slow down. If you live with Parkinson’s disease, MS, or another condition, changes in balance might happen sooner or feel more intense. But here’s the good news: balance can be trained—just like a muscle—and yoga can help!

Adaptive yoga, like the kind taught by Yoga Moves Any Body, is designed for all bodies and abilities. Whether seated, standing, or using a chair, yoga can help you:

• Strengthen stabilizing muscles
• Improve posture and coordination
• Build confidence
• Calm the mind (balance isn’t just physical—it’s mental too)

Here are a few simple balance exercises to try at home (use a wall or chair for safety):

1. Sit-to-Stand – Slowly rise from a chair and sit back down (5x)
2. Heel-to-Toe Walk – Walk in a straight line, heel to toe (5 steps each way)
3. Heal lifts – Place your fingers on the back of a chair with a light touch in Mountian Pose. Lift your heals and practice balancing on your toes. Practice balance for 2 to 5 breaths and lower your heals down. (refer to the video below)
4. Seated Spinal Balance – While sitting tall, lift one knee up toward you and take the opposite arm out to the side. (hold for 2 to 5 breaths and alternate sides)

Don’t forget to breathe! Deep breaths calm your body and help you feel more steady. Inhale… exhale… try again.

Balance takes time—and support. That’s why Yoga Moves Any Body offers a safe, welcoming space for people of all abilities to move, grow, and feel strong. Whether you live with MS, Parkinson’s, or just want to stay steady as you age, join us! Start building better balance today—your future self will thank you.

For a quick introduction to heel lifts using balance concepts,

watch the short video below.

Click this link for a 30 minute balancing class

You can find more videos like this in our On Demand Library.

To learn more about Mindy Eisenberg, Director of Yoga Moves MS and Bettyanne Hodges, Director of Marketing, or to learn more about our specialized classes for students with MS, Parkinson’s Disease, and related conditions go to Yoga Moves MS Website. 

To order Mindy’s book or adaptive yoga cards Adaptive Yoga Moves Any Body and Adaptive Yoga Cards. (Click the link to order).

“Adaptive yoga meets the body where it is, offering a safe space to practice compassion, both mentally and physically.” – Mindy Eisenberg