How to Improve Balance


They say that the kind of physical state you are in, determines how mentally fit you are. Vice versa, how mentally calm, relaxed and sorted you are, determines how fit you are physically. These two things cannot be separated from each other. These two aspects of our existence also complement each other when it comes to maintaining the equilibrium or balance of our body. Our physical and mental state connect with regards to maintaining the balance of our body. Having a good balance on both the fronts is perfect for our health and fitness. Having a good balance can further help you in dance, yoga and an array of sports activities easily. If the issue of improving your balance had flummoxed you, then here is something to help you out!

Improving your Balance

In the elderly and those who have gone through a debilitating illness may experience a loss of balance. Sometimes even sportsmen and dancers may feel the need to improve balance. In that case some exercises and other tricks can help improve balance.

Balancing Act 1
We start off with the basics. Stand on either of the foot and let the weight of your body get divided between the heel and the ball of the foot. Follow that by picking up the heel and then gradually turn left, on the ball of your foot. It will be around a 90 degree turn. Stop once you approximately turn 90 degree and lower the heel. Switch the foot after repeating this for a couple of times. Try complete turns once you are used to this. When it comes to balancing exercises for athletes, this one is very useful.

Balancing Act 2
This is great when it comes to improving balance for dance. This is called a heel stand. Here what you need to do is first stand bare feet or wearing socks and then rock back on your heels. At that juncture, you will have to hold your stance. The core of this exercise is that your weight will be on your heels and you will be required to focus on prevent tipping over backwards. This is going to be a little tough, but it will help a great deal in helping the brain to focus as well.

Balancing Act 3
This is a very simple one amongst various balancing exercises and could prove immensely helpful. Simply close your eyes and then rise up on the tips of the toes. Do this around 10 to 12 times. Stand at a place where you can get support, in case you lose your balance.

In addition to this, try and focus on core muscles, especially thighs and calf muscles. Towards that objective, lunges, squats, leg extensions, running and walking will be very helpful. All these things will help you when you are looking at improving balance for skiing.

Improving Coordination

Doing yoga exercises can help improve balance and coordination. Standing on one leg is the most common trick to do that. Further, playing games like baseball, basketball, tennis or ping pong can help improve your hand eye coordination. Simply bouncing the ball and catching it too can help. Another thing you can try is to fit in some strength training and cardio in your weekly schedule. Another very interesting thing you can do for improving coordination is whenever you write, try using both hands regularly.

Last but not the least, in connection to improving balance and coordination, indulge in at least half an hour of physical activity for minimum 6 days a week. It will help in maintaining good health and will keep the muscles in a good shape. Try to do some meditation, at least for 5 to 7 minutes, to keep the mind de-cluttered and focused before trying to balance. That's it! Good luck!

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