Duration: 1:23

Nick Pratap, BSc Kin, Clinical Exercise Physiologist Case Manager, Happy Hearts Coordinator, VGH Centre for Cardiovascular Health Clinical Exercise Lead, Prostate Cancer Supportive Care (PCSC) Program, Vancouver Prostate Centre

Exercise Video – Single Leg Balance: Maintaining good balance in our later years will help mitigate fall risk. For patients on Androgen Deprivation Therapy who may develop osteoporosis and be at higher risk of fracture, having good balance is essential. The single leg balance exercise can help to improve overall balance.

Standing behind a chair, with one hand holding on for support, lift one foot off the ground. Take your hand off the chair, while having it hover overtop the chair. The chair is there if at anytime you feel like you may lose your balance. Keep your vision fixated on one point. Aim to keep your leg lifted for 15-30 seconds to start, building up to 1min. If needed, start with a shorter timeline like 5-10 seconds and gradually build up. Perform this same exercise for the opposite side.

You can help to maintain your muscle mass through regular exercise and many find that regular exercise actually improves their energy levels.

Before getting started, please check with your family physician to talk about how you can reduce your risk of osteoporosis and to ensure this exercise is right for you.

Presenter: Mr. Nick Pratap, Kinesiologist, Vancouver, BC

Local Practitioners: Kinesiologist