October 1, 2025 Ahwatukee Foothills News
Among the many programs for building a more physically fit life, the need to improve balance, stability, and coordination is often overlooked.
“Being physically fit is more than lifting weights and running on the treadmill, especially as we age,” said Doug Thompson, co-owner and personal trainer at the Body Firm Private Fitness Studio in Ahwatukee.
The CDC reports that falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 and older. Over 14 million seniors experience a fall each year, and fatalities resulting from them are rising annually.
As people age, it’s not uncommon to lose muscle strength and balance, which increases the risk of falls, according to Thompson.
“We know that doing specific exercises regularly can help maintain strength and improve balance, which is crucial for preventing falls, and important for people of all ages,” he said.
Thompson and the other Body Firm trainers provide clients with innovative methods to improve core strength, balance, and stability. using specialty pieces of equipment that create an unstable surface.
“A balance board is one of my favorite pieces of equipment for engaging stabilizer muscles such as abs, rotator cuff muscles, and glutes,” said personal trainer Sandy Johnson.
“Balancing on a wobbly board requires constant core engagement, which can strengthen abdominal and lower back muscles,” she said. “With improved core strength, there is better posture and a reduced risk of injury.”
The balance board is multipurpose, allowing for squats, push-ups, and plank variations while targeting different muscle groups.
Another effective training tool is the BOSU Ball (Both Sides Utilized), an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid platform that can be positioned in two ways for various exercises.
Tori Thompson, Body Firm co-owner and personal trainer, shared her enthusiasm for using the BOSU: “Not only does it challenge muscle groups that aren’t typically engaged in traditional exercises, it also provides a low-impact workout and can be incorporated into cardio workouts, increasing heart rate. It’s great for beginners, athletes, and those in rehabilitation.”
Other tools found in the studio include balance pads, disc trainers, and the Power Plate machine, which utilizes vibration technology.
The platform vibrates, which stimulates muscle contractions and improves strength, flexibility, and overall fitness,” explained Johnson.
Thompson said, “The different tools we incorporate into all of our clients’ workouts not only help improve strength, balance, and coordination, but they also add variety to keep things interesting and challenging.
“We can’t stress enough that it’s never too late to start a fitness program and reduce chances of becoming a statistic in an unwanted category.”
He noted an anonymous quote he recently saw on social media: “It’s better to be the oldest person in the gym than the youngest in a nursing home.”
The Body Firm Private Fitness Studio is located at 3636 E. Ray Road in Ahwatukee and has been locally owned and operated since 2007. Information: thebodyfirmaz.com.
