Physical therapists encourage the use of a body balance mat to strengthen the small muscles in your ankles and feet, engage your core, as well as the larger muscle groups in your legs. These balance exercises improve both your balance and your stability. Perform these exercises next to a firm chair, in a corner of two walls or next to at least one wall.
The mat will be thick enough to through off your balance when you stand on it. Simple exercises of stepping on and off the pad, assist with regaining your ability to achieve your balance when conducting daily activities. You may also look up and around to test your balance.
To challenge yourself further by adding squats or lunges to your exercise routine as you step on or off the mat. The greater the extra exertion is the greater the challenge to your balance.