Improving your balance.
Improving your balance may not be number one on your priority list, but maybe it should be. Balance falls into the same category as flexibility, core strength, and mobility. These are all things our bodies need to function efficiently, but many of us don't actually do exercises to improve them. If you exercise regularly, you already work on your balance without even knowing it. But, just because you exercise doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement.
Easy Ways to Improve Your Balance
1. Incorporate unilateral exercises (one arm or one leg at a time) or by changing your stance, you are doing balancing exercises into your strength training routine. For example, using a split stance requires more balance than a wide stance. Even harder, stand on one leg.
2. When you're using machines to lift weights, sit away from the pad to work on those torso stabilizers.
3. Get an exercise ball. Among the multitude of exercises you can do, you can also simply sit on it while you watch television or work on the computer. You'll work on your balance and burn a few more calories.
4. Incorporate simple balancing moves all day long. While you're standing in line, try to balance on one leg for as long as you can. To make it harder, close your eyes!
5. Walk with a book on your head. It'll improve your balance and your posture.
6. Incorporate yoga into your regular routine. Yoga accomplishes lots of things in one shot: you increase your balance, stability, flexibility and muscular endurance.
Playing around with fitness tools like the ones listed below can also help you gain more stability and balance, as well as help you strengthen your core.
Exercise Balls:
Another great tool for balance is the exercise ball or stability ball. The stability ball is great because of its versatility. You can use it to strengthen your core muscles (abs, back, and pelvic floor) and, meanwhile, you're automatically working on your balance and internal stabilizers. You can also use your ball for stretching exercises, and you can even use it as a weight bench to perform upper body exercises like chest presses and pushups.
Wobble Boards:
The wobble board is another popular item on the market these days. Like the Bongo Board, the wobble board is used to help improve balance and agility. Most wobble boards are circular and have a sphere underneath that adjusts to different angles according to your skill level. You can do squats, lunges or upper body exercises while standing on it to add a balance challenge to your workouts.
DIY Stability Tools:
There are also ways to make your own stability equipment at home. The next time you lie down for weight training exercises, place a rolled up towel lengthwise under your back and try to balance on it while lifting. Or, stand on a couch cushion while doing standing exercises, such as bicep curls or overhead presses. The key when it comes to balance training is to start slowly. It's easy to hurt yourself if you don't take your time and allow your body to get used to being in an unstable environment.
Call Steve, In-Training Sports | 561-281-8330
In Training Sports
www.intrainingsports.com
Personal Trainer,
servicing West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Wellington and Jupiter Florida
3131 Village Blvd, #305
West Palm Beach, FL 33409