Find Your Balance

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02/21/2012
Lifestyle Management
The word balance says it all. We spend our entire lives trying to keep things in balance—whether it is our checkbook, our diet, or our body. As we age, we need to improve our physical balance to keep on doing the activities we enjoy.

The word balance says it all. We spend our entire lives trying to keep things in balance—whether it is our checkbook, our diet, or our body.  As we age, we need to improve our physical balance to keep on doing the activities we enjoy.

Balance is Control
Think of a toddler learning to walk and trying to gain the balance to be able to move freely. Once they learn to balance their bodies, they have better control over their movements. The importance of balance doesn’t change as we get older—it’s important to master balance to be in more control of our movements to prevent injuries or falls.

Develop kinesthetic awareness.

This is the ability to know where your body parts are in three-dimensional space, required for every movement we make. Balance can be learned, challenged and improved. Improved agility and strength comes from learning good balance when we confidently and smoothly move. With a greater sense of your body movement patterns, you can steadily improve your balance. 

Use balance-training aids.

Balance training aids can help you to improve your core stability, body balance and agility. Try balance pads, discs, and Bosu Balls. Anytime you make the surface underneath you less stable or smaller, you are going to have to utilize more balance. 

Practice balance with your body.

Start by balancing on one foot and moving your arms around. Can you already do that? Then stand on one foot and try to bend down and pick something up in front of you. Challenge yourself by balancing with your eyes closed. Traditional lunges and squats are also good ways to test and gain your balance, as are core exercises on your balance tools. Find suggestions for new exercises on the Life Fitness Dual Adjustable Pulley Console.

Balance is a use it or lose it technique; it’s important to practice at all ages.

 

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