IMPROVE YOUR BALANCE TO MASTER YOUR LIFE & ACHIEVE dreams

Test Your Balance

Try these three moves to see how well you can balance.

1. On both feet: Stand with feet together, anklebones touching, and arms folded across chest; then close your eyes. Have someone time you: Though it's normal to sway a little, you should be able to stand for 60 seconds without moving your feet. Next, place one foot directly in front of the other and close your eyes. You should be able to stand for at least 38 seconds on both sides.

2. On one foot: Stand on one foot and bend other knee, lifting nonsupporting foot off floor without letting it touch standing leg

(Do this in a doorway so you can grab the sides if you start to fall.) Repeat with eyes closed. People age 60 and younger can typically hold the pose for about 29 seconds with their eyes open, 21 seconds with their eyes closed. People age 61 and older: 22 seconds with eyes open, 10 seconds with eyes closed. 

 3. On ball of one foot: Stand on one foot with hands on hips, and place nonsupporting foot against inside chin of standing leg. Raise heel off floor and hold the pose—you should be able to do so for 25 seconds. 30 seconds with the eyes closed.  

This is how to begin yoga feeling balance & calm

Ageing often leads to a loss of balance, which can result in an increased risk of falls. But, as a report from the Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago shows, a lack of balance has other consequences. “A tendency to lose balance among elderly people often results in an overall reduction in the level of physical activity,” it says, “and to a decreased ability to function satisfactorily in social roles.”

Ear infections, vertigo and medications, including some antidepressants, antihistamines and pain relief, can cause problems with your “vestibular function” – the system in your inner ear that aids balance and spatial orientation. You should always see a doctor if you experience any sudden, unusual or severe problems with your balance. Hearing Link has a list of the most common causes.

Balance can start to deteriorate in your mid-20s. However, our Yoga Tone & Stretch can help, whatever your age. A 2013 study that examined the effects of strengthening exercises on balance concluded: “Improvement in lower limb strength may lead to balance enhancement in neurologically intact older people.”

Why not beginning yoga ?