As we age, particularly after hitting the 50-year mark, our bodies undergo significant hormonal changes. Key hormones like testosterone and estrogen see a marked decline, which can have a detrimental impact on maintaining lean muscle mass. According to Christiane Figura, a certified trainer, author, and founder of NIM Natural Intelligent, this process is compounded by a natural slowdown in metabolism. The result is that our bodies break down cells, including muscle cells, more rapidly than they regenerate and repair them. However, there’s a silver lining. By incorporating a few effective standing exercises into your routine, you can combat muscle loss and maintain strong, healthy muscles essential for stability, joint health, and living an independent, confident life.

Standing exercises are particularly effective because they are both functional and easy to integrate into your daily routine. Figura points out that these exercises don’t require a change of clothes or a yoga mat, making them convenient for busy lifestyles.

“Throughout our lives, we need to support our body weight against gravity, a task largely managed by deep stabilizing muscles,” explains Figura. “The exercises I recommend show how you can train these muscles almost incidentally during everyday activities.” She adds that these movements also help maintain proper postural alignment, which is vital for joint health. Misalignment can lead to stress on the joints, while proper alignment ensures good oxygen saturation and efficient circulation throughout the body. A robust muscular support system not only enhances stability but also significantly reduces the risk of falls.

Figura emphasizes that one particular exercise is excellent for lifting and aligning the torso while engaging the entire intrinsic stabilizing musculature.

Ground Press (PAR—Push Against Resistance)

“This exercise lifts and aligns the torso while activating the entire intrinsic (deep stabilizing) musculature,” Figura notes.

It’s quite simple to weave into your routine, whether you’re at the supermarket, bus stop, or waiting in line, as it can instantly boost balance and posture. Here’s how it works:

1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
2. Breathe in.
3. As you exhale, press your feet firmly into the floor.
4. Repeat.
5. Perform the ground press—aka pushing against resistance—as often as you’re able to throughout each day.

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Single-Leg Stand

“This exercise activates the entire deep musculature from foot to head, aligns the leg axes for healthy joints in the lower limbs, and strengthens core stability,” Figura explains.

1. Stand tall and take a deep breath in.
2. As you exhale, shift your body weight onto one leg.
3. Press that foot firmly into the floor while elongating your torso.
4. Once your “free” leg is light, lift that foot and draw your knee in as high up as you’re able to.
5. Breathe in and slightly release.
6. Exhale and repeat.
7. Alternate between relaxing and engaging for 4 to 8 breaths.
8. To progress this exercise, twist your torso first toward your standing leg, then toward the lifted leg.

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Single-Leg Stand With Hip Figure Eights

“This is one of the most effective exercises for improving hip stability. It helps prevent hip and knee osteoarthritis, supports good posture, and serves as excellent fall prevention. Every single-leg exercise also trains balance,” Figura tells us.

1. Stand tall and take a deep breath in.
2. As you exhale, shift your body weight to one leg.
3. Press that foot firmly into the ground while elongating your torso.
4. Once your “free” leg is light, lift that foot.
5. Draw a figure eight with the knee of your raised leg, allowing your torso to move naturally with it.
6. Aim to incorporate 6 to 8 figure eights into your day, holding onto a railing or another stable object to start off, if necessary.

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Ball-of-the-Foot Balance

“This exercise activates the entire deep stabilizing musculature and strengthens postural balance,” Figura points out.6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

1. Stand tall, feet hip-width apart.
2. Take a deep breath in.
3. As you exhale, draw your lower abs inward—just above the pubic bone—while elongating your torso.
4. Slowly lift your heels to balance on the balls of your feet, rising onto the toes as high as you’re able to. Feel your calves engage.
5. Inhale once again.
6. On the exhale, lower your heels with control.
7. Let your heels hover just above the ground before moving directly onto the next rep.

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Horizontal Balance

“The single-leg balance, or ‘airplane pose,’ is a major challenge for core stability,” Figura says.

1. Start by balancing on one leg.
2. As you exhale, extend your lifted leg forward with your knee straight.
3. Hold for a moment.
4. Slowly lower your leg, slightly bending the standing knee as you draw your arms in close to your torso.
5. Move your lifted leg behind your body, and, as you exhale, draw your lower abs in and press the standing foot into the ground.
6. Lean your torso forward with control as you lift your extended leg back and up.
7. The goal of this movement is to form a “T” shape, where your torso and raised leg create a horizontal line.
8. Complete 3 to 4 reps.
9. To progress the exercise, straighten your standing leg and sweep both arms out to the sides. Then, raise them overhead until they’re completely extended. Hold for several breaths.