A new study highlighted by Woman & Home found that for adults aged 55+, one of the most effective ways to maintain mobility, balance, and strength isn’t simply more walking, jogging, or Pilates — it’s sensorimotor training, which integrates sensory input and motor output to improve coordination, stability. and posture
So what does this mean for staying active, independent, and injury-resistant as we age? It means we might want to emphasise movements that challenge balance, body awareness, coordination, and joint control — not just strength or cardio alone.
Sensorimotor exercises are simple and require minimal equipment, making them accessible for everyone. Examples include heel-to-toe walking and a flamingo stand (putting your weight on one leg and lifting the opposite knee).
A Smart Tool for Sensorimotor Fitness
Here’s why the Stretch-eze® is particularly well-suited for the sensorimotor work as we age:
- Gentle resistance + full-body feedback: Rather than heavy weights, this unique fabric loop gives you enough resistance to engage muscles and enough feedback to guide proper posture.
- Supports balance & alignment: The Stretch-eze helps you feel your body in space (proprioception), thus improving coordination – this is critically important for avoiding falls and maintaining stability, a key concern as we age.
- Adaptable for every level: The Stretch-eze® is versatile — pick the length and size that suits your height and flexibility, and if you want more challenge, you can simply layer the band for added resistance.
- Promotes both strength and mobility: Instead of isolating one muscle group, the Stretch-eze® encourages integrated movement (for example, legs + core + back) which maps well to real-life functional tasks (getting up, twisting, reaching).
Try a Single-Leg Stand with Band Assistance
- Stand with one foot inside the loop, the other leg lifted – try a flamingo leg or add an external hip rotation for a Yoga tree pose. Make sure to root all four corners of the standing leg.
- The loop provides gentle support for the balance and a foot-to-shoulder connection. This encourages an uplifting through the entire body — aim for 10–15 seconds on each leg, 3 times.
- Works balance, core, and ankle stability.
Why This Aligns with the Research
The Woman & Home article emphasises that after age 55, the best workout is not just stronger or faster, but smarter: it trains the connection between the sensory (how your body knows where it is) and the motor (how your body moves) systems. The Stretch-eze® is built exactly around that principle — as described by international leader in embodied movement education, Wendy LeBlanc-Arbuckle, this specifically engineered heavyweight fabric loop becomes a “conversation” partner with your body.
Tips for Getting Started with Sensorimotor Fitness
- If you decide to get started with a Stretch-eze®, choose the right size loop (see the size chart at https://shop.stretch-eze.com). Check out the Stretch-eze® YouTube channel for exercise ideas (please subscribe!). Do a few test reps, making sure you have some tension — not so slack that you’re not engaging, not so tight you’re straining.
- Start slow and remember, consistency beats intensity when you’re prioritising functional fitness.
- Focus on quality, not quantity: Better to do fewer reps slowly and well than to rush.
- Mix it up: Use the Stretch-eze® one day, walk or swim the next, maybe a light strength session another day — variety supports overall fitness.
- Listen to your body: If a movement feels unstable or overly challenging, reduce the tension, slow the motion, or use support (wall/chair).
- Track progress: For example, note how long you can balance, how smooth your movements feel, and whether you feel more stable climbing stairs or walking on uneven ground.
- Combine with healthy habits: Balanced nutrition, good sleep, stress management — all of these support functional movement just as much as the exercises themselves.
Final Thoughts
As we navigate our 50s, 60s, and beyond, the goal isn’t just “more reps”, but “better movement” — movement that keeps us upright, strong, flexible, and confident. The research highlighted by the Woman & Home article makes clear that sensorimotor training (balance, coordination, integration) plays a critical role. The Stretch-eze® offers a convenient, effective, and adaptable way to weave those principles into your routine. It’s a sensory feedback tool — not a quick fix — but when paired with mindful movement, consistency, and realistic expectations, this wonderful prop can help you move better, feel more stable, and enjoy your body for many years to come.