194: Optimizing Balance And Preventing Falls - with Chris Wilson

Have you ever realized how much of your balance relies on your feet? This is because of something known as the brain balance connection. The brain balance connection refers to the relationship between the balance nerve in your foot and preventing falls in older adults. This connection is based on neuro balance therapy, which is a new approach to improving balance and preventing falls. 

This week I am joined by lifelong fitness and health advocate, Chris Wilson. With nearly 25 years of experience in the fitness industry, Chris has worked with some of the biggest names in the fitness industry, including Charles Poliquin, Ben Prentice, Lloyd Weinstein, Jay Cutler, Aaron Reed, and John Hansen. 

Chris is a strength coach and VP of Content at Critical Bench Publishing. He is also a Certified Personal Trainer (NASM), Specialist in Sports Nutrition (ISSA), Certified Balance and Stability Instructor (ASFA) and a Certified Kettlebell Instructor (RKC). 

In this podcast, Chris Wilson will cover topics related to fitness, health, and aging and how he got into the fitness industry and found his passion for helping others. He talks about how he started working with people who were post-stroke or had paralysis and how he wanted to help them live better.

In this podcast, we cover:

• The brain balance connection (the relationship between the nerves in your feet and your ability to maintain balance)
• How to improve the number one balance nerve in your foot to help prevent accidental falls
• A program based on neuro balance therapy, which is a simple, easy-to-do program that can be done anywhere
• The consequences of not moving enough
• The signs that you may need to start focusing on balance and coordination

The Deep Peroneal Nerve

Did you know that people over the age of 50 are at a greater risk for falls and injuries? One way to help prevent these falls is by improving the number one balance nerve in your foot. The Deep Peroneal Nerve starts outside the knee area and goes down to the end between your big toe and second toe. This particular nerve is often associated with something called “foot drop.” 

Foot drop happens when an individual has difficulty lifting their foot due to weakness or paralysis. As a result, they may drag their toes or catch their foot when walking, leading to slips and trips. Improving nerve function in your feet can help improve balance and thus prevent falls.

Daily Movement Prevents Cognitive Decline And Physical Deterioration.

Chris believes that maintaining daily movement is the key to preventing cognitive decline and physical deterioration as we age. He also talks about how a sedentary lifestyle can lead to balance problems and falls in older adults. He recommends finding ways to stay active throughout the day to keep your brain-body connection strong.

Episode Resources:

neurobalancetherapy.org
@thecriticalbench
@strongbydesignpodcast 
@coach_chriswilson