Balance exercise challenges movements and positions for the purpose of improving our ability to respond to changing physical obstacles and barriers in our environment. The results of balance exercise are an improved ability to reach, jump, and control complex movements that are required for many daily activities, as well as improvement in body awareness, body alignment, and the ability to engage in daily recreational activities safely. Engaging in balance exercise also improves our ability to catch ourselves from falling. Balance exercise addresses the sources of our sense of balance that include vision, the inner ear, and the nerve receptors in our joints.

Resistance exercise training and flexibility exercise training are important components of a balanced exercise program because they improve our ability to control muscular forces needed to maintain balance. Good balance cannot be achieved without good strength and flexibility.