Falls Prevention Exercise Program
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury, loss of independence and hospitalisation in older adults — but many falls are preventable with the right exercise program. Strength, balance, coordination and reaction time all play important roles in staying safe and stable during everyday activities. When these abilities decline, so does confidence. Movements like stepping off a curb, turning quickly, walking on uneven ground or standing up from a chair can feel more difficult or risky.
Summit Health Group’s Falls Prevention Exercise Program is designed to help older adults improve their stability, increase strength, boost confidence and stay independent. Our Accredited Exercise Physiologists use evidence-based training methods to target the specific factors that contribute to falls, creating a personalised exercise plan tailored to your needs.
Whether you’ve had a fall, feel unsteady on your feet or simply want to maintain independence as you age, our program provides the safe and structured support you need.
Why Falls Happen
Falls don’t occur for just one reason — they are usually caused by a combination of factors, including:
- reduced muscle strength
- poor balance or coordination
- slower reaction time
- reduced sensation in the feet
- chronic pain or joint stiffness
- mobility limitations
- medications that affect stability
- dizziness or changes in blood pressure
- poor footwear or unsafe environments
- fear of falling, which alters movement patterns
Identifying the root causes is essential for effective fall prevention. That is why every program begins with a thorough assessment of your strength, movement patterns and balance.
Why Exercise Is the Most Effective Falls Prevention Tool
Exercise is the number one recommended strategy for reducing fall risk. Research shows that strength and balance exercises can reduce falls by up to 40–50%, especially when delivered by qualified professionals.
Exercise helps prevent falls by:
- increasing lower-body and core strength
- improving balance and coordination
- enhancing walking ability and posture
- improving confidence with movement
- reducing joint pain and stiffness
- improving reaction time
- correcting muscle imbalances
- supporting stable and efficient movement
A strong and stable body is far better equipped to prevent slips, trips and stumbles.
Who This Program Is For
Our Falls Prevention Exercise Program is ideal for individuals who:
- feel unsteady or off-balance
- have experienced a fall or near-fall
- struggle with stairs or uneven surfaces
- feel weak or deconditioned
- are worried about losing independence
- want to prevent future falls
- use walking aids and want to improve mobility
- have chronic conditions affecting strength or balance
- experience dizziness or instability
- want a safe, supervised exercise program
This program is suitable for all ages but is particularly beneficial for older adults.
What to Expect in Your Falls Prevention Program
Your program begins with a comprehensive assessment designed to understand your unique risk factors. This may include:
- leg and hip strength testing
- balance and coordination evaluation
- mobility and flexibility assessment
- gait and walking analysis
- functional tasks like sit-to-stand or stair stepping
- reaction time testing
- medical history review
- understanding any past falls or near-misses
This information allows us to create a personalised exercise plan tailored to your needs and goals.
Components of a Falls Prevention Exercise Program
Your personalised training plan combines strength, balance, mobility and functional training to help you move safely and confidently.
Strength Training
Strengthening the legs, hips and core helps support safe movement and reduces the risk of falls.
Key exercises may include:
- squats or sit-to-stands
- step-ups
- hip strengthening (abductions, extensions, bridges)
- calf raises
- core stability exercises
- resistance band or dumbbell strengthening
Strength training improves your ability to stand, walk, turn and climb stairs with stability.
Balance and Stability Training
Balance training helps retrain your body’s ability to stay steady during movement, prevent trips, and recover from stumbles.
Exercises may include:
- single-leg balance progressions
- tandem stance
- reaching and weight shifting
- controlled stepping drills
- multi-directional balance challenges
- turning and pivoting practice
These exercises greatly reduce fall risk and improve your confidence.
Mobility and Flexibility Exercises
Stiff joints can lead to poor movement patterns that increase fall risk. Mobility work helps improve:
- hip flexibility
- ankle movement
- spinal mobility
- knee range of motion
- overall joint comfort
Better mobility supports smoother and more controlled movement.
Functional Movement Training
Functional exercises mimic the demands of daily life, helping you navigate real-world environments more safely.
We focus on:
- stair climbing
- stepping over obstacles
- bending, reaching and lifting
- sitting and standing
- walking transitions
- navigating uneven surfaces
These tasks build practical skills to support everyday independence.
Gait and Walking Training
We analyse and improve your walking mechanics by addressing:
- stride length
- foot placement
- walking speed
- posture and alignment
- turning control
- confidence on different surfaces
Improved gait reduces risk and increases movement efficiency.
Reaction Time and Coordination Training
Quick and coordinated reactions help prevent falls when unexpected events occur, such as:
- slipping on a wet floor
- tripping on a step
- losing balance while turning
Exercises focus on:
- quick stepping patterns
- directional changes
- agility-style challenges (modified for safety)
These help your body respond rapidly and safely.
Benefits of a Falls Prevention Exercise Program
Clients typically experience:
Improved Balance
Better control and stability during everyday movement.
Increased Strength
Stronger muscles help protect joints and support stable posture.
Greater Confidence
Less fear of falling and more trust in your ability to move safely.
Improved Mobility
Walking, standing and daily tasks become easier and more comfortable.
Reduced Fall Risk
Targeted training addresses the specific causes of instability.
Better Posture and Alignment
Improved body awareness enhances movement quality.
Enhanced Independence
Clients often feel more capable and empowered in daily activities.
Addressing Common Concerns
“I’m too old to improve my balance.”
Balance can improve at any age with the right exercises.
“I’m scared I’ll fall during training.”
All exercises are safe, supported and designed to prevent falls.
“I haven’t exercised in years.”
You do not need a fitness background — we start wherever you are.
“I feel too weak to begin.”
Strength builds quickly with proper guidance.
“I don’t know what exercises are safe.”
That’s exactly what our program provides.
Why Choose Summit Health Group for Fall Prevention
Accredited Exercise Physiologists
Experts in strength, balance and mobility training for older adults.
Personalised Exercise Plans
Programs are tailored to your abilities, goals and comfort levels.
Holistic Approach
We consider strength, balance, posture, mobility and real-life function.
Safe and Supportive Environment
You’ll always feel safe, encouraged and guided.
Flexible Delivery Options
In-clinic, home visit and telehealth sessions available.
Long-Term Support
We track your progress and adjust your plan as you improve.
Start Your Falls Prevention Exercise Program
Don’t wait until a fall happens — take proactive steps to protect your health, confidence and independence. Our Falls Prevention Exercise Program gives you the tools, strength and stability you need to stay active and steady on your feet.
Book your assessment with Summit Health Group today and begin your personalised fall prevention journey.