REVIEW OF MBS BY THE AMERICAN SENIOR FITNESS ASSOCIATION

Balancing Act

To summarize in advance, product reviewers at SFA are impressed with the three-part "Balance Basics" DVD series led by senior personal trainer Lori Whittle. As Lori explains in her pre-exercise introduction, the workouts are not intended to provide aerobic training but, instead, they emphasize movements for balance and strength. The demonstrations are presented without accompanying music because many older adults need a quiet atmosphere to aid focus and concentration while performing balance activities. However, others can easily add background music if desired. The routines take place in a calm living room setting that features greenery and natural light. Simple exercises are shown at a relaxed pace appropriate for the intended participant. Most senior exercisers can be predicted to feel very comfortable with Lori Whittle's style which includes a pleasant voice, a nice smile, and good explanations of how certain exercises tie in with daily life. Thoughtfully, she also encourages short, regular water breaks. Below is a brief description of each DVD:

• For People with Mobility Limitations (41 minutes) serves those who may be affected by medical conditions, mental impairment, or visual changes. Warm-up, strength, and flexibility exercises are performed in a chair-seated position. Standing balance activities include weight shifts, side-stepping, and forward/backward stepping.
   
  
• Level 1: Balance Essentials (45 minutes) is geared toward those who have been active, but not necessarily athletic, most of their lives and are now growing concerned about balance changes they may be noticing. This routine, which entails both chair-seated and standing movements, includes safe walking techniques, core and upper body strengthening, static balance practice, and flexibility work.
   
• Level 2: Balance Challenge (50 minutes) applies to those who are more athletic, have been exercising regularly, or are seeking a greater balance challenge. While core strengthening and flexibility work are performed in a chair-seated position, most of the movements in this routine are done standing. That includes static balance activity, moving balance activity, upper body strengthening, and walking/eye focus practice.