Balance—we all have it and we all need it. The nerve endings in your muscles and tendons are able to feel the slightest alteration in your body’s stance. So the next time you stumble in your favorite pumps and keep yourself upright, you should be thanking your body’s self-awareness. Your strength and coordination is improved by and blended with this incognizant information; thus, enabling your body to control your ability to stay on your feet.
What’s your balance like? Well, take this fitness test and you’ll find out. Balance is the second test of seven mini fitness tests to find out how fit you actually are.
Testing Your Balance
For this test you’ll be performing the Single-Leg Balance and Touch exercise.
Begin by standing tall with your back straight and knees slightly bent. Lift your left leg off the ground and slightly backward so that you’re now standing only on your right leg. Next, maintain a flat back and bend at your hips. Reach down with your left hand to touch the toes on your right foot. As you bend down your left leg will raise but make sure it stays in line with your back at all times. Raise yourself back up to the starting position—but don’t let that left foot touch the floor! Complete this exercise as many times as you’re able within 60 seconds.
The Results
So let’s see how well you did. If you touched…
- Less than 10 times in one minute you’re below average.
- 10-20 times in one minute you’re average.
- 21 times or over in one minute you’re above average.
What were you’re results? Could your balance use a little enhancing?
Gaining Better Balance
To improve your balance, attempt this alternate tree pose. Begin by having a straight back, slightly bent knees and tight abs. Stand on your right leg; lift your left leg, point your knee out to the side and put your foot on the inside of your right thigh. Now, stretch your arms over your head and close your eyes. Try to hold this pose for 20 seconds and then go back to the starting position. Don’t forget to do this same pose for the opposite leg. Your goal is to decrease the number of times you have to move your hands, break your form or open your eyes.
Balance is a crucial part of your everyday life. The better your balance is, the better chance you have of remaining on your feet!
Keep your eyes open for our next fitness test in next week’s blog.
Teri
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