Give Your Balance Some Love
We spend most of our lives neglecting it, yet we depend on it for basic functioning. What would these simple tasks be like without balance?
Walking
Reaching into / up to a shelf or cupboard
Dancing
Getting up from a bed
Sitting down in a chair
Going up stairs
Playing your favorite game or sport
Closing your eyes for a romantic kiss
They all use multiple parts of the systems that make up our balance. So isn't it time you gave your balance some love to keep it going strong? The nice thing about balance is that it's not very high maintenance. It doesn't demand outrageous commitment (unless your need outrageous balance).
For those of you who aren't into slacklining 3,000 feet above a valley floor, helping your balance can be as simple as adding a couple of exercises to your gym routine. Or standing on one leg while brushing your teeth (obviously don't do this if you feel it's too difficult - see our balance training guide).
As well as training the neuromuscular system, exercises like Tai Chi, squats and lunges help with leg strength, which can be a key part of what is missing as people age. Even those who run regularly can benefit from the greater range of movement delivered by these exercises, and from working different sets of muscles.