I was talking about wade fishing with friend of mine the other day when he mentioned his inability to safely wade in swift moving water. My first thoughts were of how depressing this would be for me, because some of my favorite experiences have been while wading some beautiful stretch of river, or creek. I vowed to study up on some exercises to help overcome the balance and strength needed to accomplish a fishing excursion to include possible wading.
I have been reading articles, and watching videos about leg strength exercises by the dozens. One of the first issues, in my mind, about beginning a program to improve leg strength for older people is Balance. If there is less than complete confidence in balance, how can the exercises even begin?
Lets look at balance exercises. Balance exercises help build strength in your leg muscles in order to maintain balance and prevent falls!
Knee Raise
This first exercise is to help strengthen thigh muscles and hip flexors. All you will need to perform this exercise is a straight back chair for support. If you are worried about falling, please make certain someone is with you. Maybe a partner would be fun.
- Stand beside the chair with the back of the chair next to your left side.
- Place your left hand on the back of the chair. Put your weight on your inside (left) leg. Leave your knee slightly bent.
- Pick a spot in front of you to focus on. Take a deep breath.
- Now as you exhale, raise your right knee and bring it towards your chest. Try to maintain your standing posture without bending over. Don’t worry if you can’t raise your knee too high either. Practice will make it so.
- Inhale and hold this knee up for a count of one, two, three while holding onto the chair.
- On the exhale, return your foot back to the floor.
- Repeat this three to five times and then switch legs.
With a slight variation to this balance exercise you can add some challenge for building strength and improving stability. While your knee is still bent and in the air, point your knee outward to the side, and then back in. Return your leg to the front before placing it back on the ground.
In summary
This exercise will challenge your brain to step outside of the every day routine. Your muscles will respond to pretty much anything you tell them to do, but you have to actually do the action for the response. I have just outlined a simple, exercise for flexibility and balance for you. You can adjust the repetitions as you feel confident. This whole exercise should take no more than ten minutes, so make the most of each repetition.
I have a few more exercises that will help with balance, flexibility, and strength for the legs. I will add a couple more of them in a few days. By the way, I am doing these same exercises before giving them to you. Balance is the key to wade fishing, and the muscle memory and strength will increase in your legs with a little practice.
Mr Hook