Guest Author: Ellie Martin
For those who participate in physical therapy, you might be aware that balance exercises are very helpful for those of us with Ataxia. Mayo Clinic says that balance exercises are especially important because they can help prevent falls and keep you independent. It can get boring to do the same exercises repeatedly, which is what makes the YouTube channel Little Steps, Big Gains a source for fun, creative exercises that provide variety.
Little Steps, Big Gains was created by Occupational Therapist Elizabeth Foss. The YouTube channel offers a way to do exercises at home that can help improve balance and mobility. Elizabeth noticed that there was a lack of therapeutic exercises that are specific to Ataxia and saw it as an opportunity to create videos. “This YouTube channel is really my passion project for the Ataxia community,” Elizabeth says. Her channel is geared towards people with neurological conditions. It provides educational videos and exercises to help with mobility, strength, and balance.
About Elizabeth's Exercises for Ataxia
Elizabeth Foss’s channel provides 30-day programs that are researched-based to improve balance, strength, and mobility. These videos are a great tool to find specific balance and coordination exercises for Ataxia and do not require the use of expensive equipment. Instead, she uses household items that most people have easy access to.
Incorporating exercise into our routines can often be a challenge. However, with a bit of creativity, everyday household items can transform into effective workout tools, offering convenience and accessibility. A simple towel can be used as a resistance band for strengthening exercises or a broom can be used for balancing exercises, proving that fitness can be achieved without specialized equipment. By repurposing familiar items, we not only make the most of our living spaces but also demonstrate that exercise can seamlessly integrate into our daily activities, promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle. Elizabeth teaches us just that.
The Broomstick Challenge
One of the most popular videos on her channel is the Broomstick Challenge, which is a sitting and balance exercise.
30-Day Stability for Mobility Challenge
Another video to check out is the 30-day Stability for Mobility Challenge that uses research-based methods to improve walking.
These exercise videos for Ataxia are a beneficial resource, offering not just physical benefits but also promoting a sense of empowerment and community. Elizabeth provides an accessible fitness routine with the benefit of being able to participate at home. The videos are a reminder that people with Ataxia are not alone in their journey toward physical well-being. Her videos can be a helpful tool for the Ataxia community to use at home. They are educational and inspire us to learn more about our conditions.
Disclaimer: Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, exercise, treatment, or nutritional supplement.
About the Author
My name is Ellie Martin and I have a rare form of Cerebellar Ataxia. I recently graduated from college where I studied rehabilitation services. I wrote this article as a part of a series of blogs to share information I learned along with some personal experiences on the subject.
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