Feeling a bit off balance lately? Whether you have felt off balance physically, mentally or emotionally, improving your physical balance can help you feel more confident, grounded, centered and alive.
Movement transforms!
As you age, you may lose balance function through a loss of sensory elements. The vestibular system is located inside the inner ear. This is where you perceive balance, The vestibular system connects to the brain and gives you a message when you are about to fall – which directs the body to take corrective action. With age, cells in the vestibular system die off, affecting your ability to correct your position.
To maintain and improve your balance, it’s good to work on activities that test your reflexes and coordination. Maintaining muscle mass and strength are also important.
Here are 3 moves to help you improve your balance:
1 – Leg Curl: Begin facing a sturdy desk or countertop. Hold on with both hands. Bend your right leg behind you and lift it about 6 inches off the floor. Let go and try to balance (stand on your left leg) for 30 seconds. Take your time and work your way up if you feel wobbly.
2 – Tandem Stance: Begin with the desk or countertop to your left side. Place your left hand on the desk or countertop. Place your right heel in front of your left toes with your right heel touching your left toes. Now take your arms out to your sides and hold for 30 seconds. If your thigh size does not allow the heel to touch the toes, move it straight in front 6″ and try the balance. Turn and face the other direction, right hand on the countertop, left heel touches right toes.
3 – Tap Dance: Begin with the desk or countertop to your left side. Place your left hand on the desk or countertop. Tap your right foot back, tap front, tap out to the side, and tap across your left foot. Repeat the entire sequence 5 times. Turn and face the other direction, right hand on the countertop. Tap your left foot back, tap front, tap out to the side, and tap across your right foot. Try doing it without holding on. Repeat 5 times.
Improving your balance will help you feel more confident in a world that often feels out of balance.
Stay steady, focused, grounded and centered, You may not be able to control all the crazy going on around you, but you can control your response to the crazy by staying balanced.
Movement transforms!
