Steadier on your feet, one supported step at a time, with a coach watching every move.
This page is for you if you feel less steady than you used to, you've had a fall or a near miss, or you simply want to stay confident on stairs and uneven ground. HipTrain is live 1-on-1 training over video with the same coach each time, from about $14 a session. Your first session is free.
Falls are common, and balance can be trained. According to the CDC, 1 in 4 older adults report falling every year. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans suggest older adults do "multicomponent" activity: balance training plus strength and aerobic work. The guidelines say this kind of activity can lower the risk of falls and injuries from falls.
Balance practice needs to be safe and a bit challenging. The National Institute on Aging suggests starting balance exercises while holding a sturdy chair with both hands, then one hand, then one finger, then none, as you get steadier. That progression is easy to describe and hard to judge on your own. Move too fast and it's risky. Move too slow and nothing changes. A coach watching live can tell when you're ready for the next step.
Strong legs are part of balance. The NIA notes that lower-body strength exercises can also help your balance. Your coach mixes in moves like sit-to-stands and heel raises, so you build the muscle that catches you when you trip.
Your coach sees what you can't. On camera, a coach can spot your weight drifting to one side, your knees locking or your eyes dropping to the floor. Small cues ("soft knees," "look at the picture on the wall") make a big difference. And if you wobble, your coach is right there to tell you to grab the chair and reset.
Here's an example of a 30-minute balance session for someone in their 70s who feels a bit unsteady. Before you start, your coach will help you set up: a sturdy chair or kitchen counter within reach, clear floor, good shoes or bare feet, and your camera far enough back to show your whole body.
This example uses two live sessions plus short, safe practice on your own. Ask your coach before doing any balance exercise without a support nearby.
As you get steadier, some people add a third session or switch to 60 minutes.
"I LOVE my trainer! He is leading me to improve my stamina and balance after hip replacement at a cost I can afford. Also I appreciate the ease of adjusting our schedule and that he is ok with 30 minute sessions." (Helene B., Google review)
Helene trained after her hip replacement. If you've had surgery, get your surgeon's or doctor's okay before starting any training.
Thirty minutes is often plenty for balance work, since it takes focus and can be tiring. Two 30-minute sessions a week is $119.99 a month, about $14 a session. Your first session is free, with no credit card needed.
HipTrain is HSA / FSA eligible. If your doctor recommends exercise for a specific medical condition, you may be able to use HSA or FSA funds. IRS Publication 502 explains the rules, and many plans ask for a Letter of Medical Necessity. Check with your plan before you count on it.
For comparison, Thumbtack says in-person personal trainers cost $40 to $100 an hour, about $55 on average, and costs can be higher when a trainer travels to your home.
If you fall often, have dizziness that hasn't been checked, or are recovering from a fall injury, see your doctor first. They may refer you to a physical therapist, which is a medical service HipTrain doesn't provide. Our coaches are certified personal trainers, not doctors or physical therapists. If you'd feel safer with a person in the room who can steady you by hand, in-person help is the better choice. We don't offer in-person sessions. We're also a small company, with 29 App Store ratings compared with thousands for the big apps.
It can be, with the right setup. Your coach makes sure you have a sturdy support within reach, a clear floor and a camera angle that shows your whole body, and builds challenge slowly. Get your doctor's okay first. If you'd like, have someone else at home during your first few sessions.
The CDC suggests older adults include balance activities in their weekly routine, along with strength and aerobic activity. Two live sessions plus a few minutes of safe practice on other days is a common way to start.
No one can promise that. Federal guidelines say multicomponent activity that includes balance training can lower the risk of falls. It's one part of staying safe, along with doctor checkups, vision checks and a safe home.
That's fine. Most balance work is done standing at a counter or sitting in a chair. If getting up from the floor is a goal, your coach can work toward it step by step. See our page for seniors and our low-impact training page.
Ready to feel steadier on your feet? Check with your doctor, then try your first session free. No credit card needed.