Everyone, no matter what age, can benefit from exercises that help improve balance, says Jennifer Willis, certified personal trainer at So-Be-Fit, a personal training and wellness studio near Broad Ripple. A lot of people, particularly as they get older, struggle with maintaining their balance. Without good balance, you’re more likely to fall or get injured.

This exercise not only helps your balance, but also strengthens the quads, glutes, hamstrings, shoulders and all of your core muscles.

Willis, an avid runner who has done the Boston Marathon three times, works with clients at the studio, corporate settings and their homes. She also teaches group fitness classes at the studio, 1134 E. 54th St., Studio B, www.sobefitindy .com, (317) 697-1939. So-Be-Fit offers yoga, boxing boot camp, spinning, Zumba and biggest loser challenge classes.

She demonstrates the exercise, using a body bar.

Step 1: Hold a body bar or dumbbells in both hands, more than a shoulder-width apart, palms facing backward, with arms fully extended.

Step 2: Standing on your left leg, extend the right leg directly behind and reach arms down toward the floor. Inhale. Keep your left leg slightly bent.

Step 3: Exhale while flexing your elbows to bring the weight toward your chest. Inhale while returning to the starting position.

Repetitions: Do 10 to 15 repetitions, then switch to the other leg for another 10 to 15.

Tips: Engage the core muscles to assist with keeping your balance. It helps to focus on one spot on the ground or an object.

— Barb Berggoetz