🎙️ Episode 56:

Strength training is one of the most powerful things you can do to reduce your risk of falling. But it’s only one part of the picture.

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shawn Waller, a Doctor of Physical Therapy from the US who has spent his career working out exactly why falls happen. He explains that fall prevention isn’t just about strength.

Your body relies on four systems to keep you balanced: strength, vision, sensation, and your inner ear. If any one of those is weak, your balance suffers, no matter how strong you are.

We cover:

• Why falls aren’t an inevitable part of ageing, and can be prevented
• The four systems your body needs for balance, and how to test each one at home
• Why strength is your body armour, and which muscles matter most
• The hidden balance system most people have never heard of
• What orthostatic hypotension is and why hydration affects your risk of falling
• How to make your home safer
• Why being prepared for a fall matters as much as preventing one

Shawn’s fall prevention courses, Fall Proof Body and Fall Proof Home, are available with 25% off using the code NTOTL at checkout.

• Fall Proof Body course: https://yourptguy.com/fallproofbody/?affiliate=christiley
• Fall Proof Home course: https://yourptguy.com/fallproofhome/?affiliate=christiley
• Fall Proof Life Bundle (best value): https://yourptguy.com/fallprooflife/?affiliate=christiley

Links mentioned:

• Shawn’s website: https://yourptguy.com
• Shawn’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@yourPTguy
• Don’t Fall (Shawn’s book): https://geni.us/zsWYA

Balance tests mentioned:

30-second sit-to-stand test: https://www.physio-pedia.com/30_Seconds_Sit_To_Stand_Test

Timed Up and Go (TUG) test: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Timed_Up_and_Go_Test_(TUG)

Romberg test: https://www.physio-pedia.com/Romberg_Test

Sit-to-rise test: https://www.discovermagazine.com/simple-sitting-test-predicts-how-long-youll-live-12