Exercises to Improve Balance - The Top Five Exercises to Help You Improve Your Balance

As we age, one of the most common physical skillssmall surf board with an attached heavy duty ball on
that deteriorates is our balance. It doesn't have to bethe bottom.
that way though. If you do certain simple exercises,The goal is to stand atop the board and maintain your
you can maintain your balance skills for a lifetime. Herebalance. The trick is to keep your upper body still while
are the five best exercises to improve balance...relying on your core and leg muscles to do the work.
YogaOne Legged Alternating Stands
You may think yoga is just stretching and mindThis is an effective exercise you can do at home. Try
relaxation, but it is much more than that.it while looking in a mirror. Just stand alternatively on
First of all, stretching is very good for your balance.one leg and then the other. In fitness classes,
The more limber and flexible you are, the easier itinstructors will sometimes direct you to pick up and set
becomes for your body to work in harmony, so todown a small hand weight while balancing on one leg,
speak. Your physical balance is a function of your mindwhich challenges your balance even more.
and body working together. This is the core principle ofTry it for 30 seconds at a time on each leg, and
yoga.steadily increase the time as your balance improves.
Further, yoga is low impact, which is great if yourFitball Balance Discs
knees, ankles, and other joints have taken a poundingThis is another excellent piece of fitness equipment.
over the years.Similar to a balance board conceptually, the goal is to
Pilatesremain atop the disc while maintaining your balance.
Pilates is similar to yoga since it is equally low impactThe fitball balance disc is flat on the bottom and
and emphasizes flexibility. Pilates goes one better byspherical on top. You can use it either standing or while
specifically targeting the core muscles, which arelaying across the top, which is similar to a pilates move.
crucial for balance.In addition to helping your balance, using a fitball balance
If you've never participated in a pilates class, you willdisc does a great job strengthening and toning your
be amazed at how difficult they are. You will work onmid section.
muscles in an entirely different way, most notably yourSummary
abdominals. Many of the moves in class are quiteYou don't have to lose your physical balance skills as
simple. There is no fancy choreography, but theyou age. The best way to combat loss of balance is
moves take practice and effort. The emphasis onto participate in specific exercises to improve your skill
your core and holding your body still will improve yourlevel.
balance skills by leaps and bounds.Group fitness classes like yoga and pilates are ideal,
Fitball Balance Discsas they emphasize core muscles and flexibility.
Balance BoardsSpecific fitness equipment like balance boards and
Balance boards are probably the best exercise tofitball balance discs simulate board sports and provide
improve balance. They are often used by those whoa challenging test of your ability to stay on top without
participate in board sports, like skiing, surfing, and skatestepping off.
boarding.Finally, simple alternating one legged stands are a low
Essentially, standing on a balance board simulates thetech but effective way to work on this crucial life skill.
activity of these sports. Usually the board looks like a