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Writer's pictureJon Verceles

5 Tips on how to prevent falling, improve balance, and walk SAFELY on ice or snow.

Slipping on ice. It happens quite frequently during the South Lake Tahoe winters. What lead me to discuss this topic was merely something I witnessed while dropping my wife off at work. As I drove slowly away, I noticed this large patch of ice that was built up due to the problems and slope within the parking lot. I thought to myself that would be terrible to slip on because there was no warning or caution sign. Sometimes maintenance keepers put cones out or something, but not today. Or they just didn't have enough time. I'm not putting the blame on them. Just know ice is present and sometimes we might not have that warning at all. Now back to the large patch of ice. As I pulled around the lot trying exit out this lady happened to thankfully notice the ice but stopped right in front of it. I could see she was immediately hesitant of crossing. Her body language said she was analyzing the different ways she could approach the ice in order to cross over it since it was in her path. Now I know what you’re thinking. Why didn't she just find another way around? Well sometimes we must go right though and that's what she decided to do. Her choice. Now to cut straight to it. The lady was able to cross right over, and she made it safely. Happy ending. But to the more important facts. The reason she was able to make it across safely was because of her awareness in her steps and where her balance was in order to prevent falling. I always say to my students when walking on ice think tai chi on ice or snow. Reason being is that the how transfer of weight, how you spiral into the ground, and understanding empty and full can prevent falling. You can apply stances and transfer steps to walk across ice safely. Even if you don't practice tai chi anyone can apply these tips to increase your awareness, improve your balance, and prevent falling or slipping on ice or snow.


Tips on how to prevent falling, improve balance, and walk safely on ice or snow.

Also if you'd like to see a more in depth look at how to walk safely on ice or snow along with additional safety tips check out this video in the link here - https://youtu.be/ru6b6Dw15-I

Tip #1. Be aware and trust your intuition. Your eyes can scan the area and your feet feel out the surface you're walking on to give your brain signals of what’s ahead.

Tip #2. Bend your knees and don't lock out your legs.

Tip #3. Reach with your heel first set then set the rest of the foot down.

Tip #4. After the foot is planted then transfer the weight to the front leg keeping your knees slightly bend and hips level.

Tip #5. As you fully transfer your weight to the front leg the back heel will pull up, knee will come into the front leg and then repeat for the next step.

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