According to a study by the UK’s Medical Research Council, people in their fifties who can stand on one foot for ten seconds with their eyes closed are more likely to be fit and healthy for the next 13 years.
Also, if people manage only three seconds, they are three times more likely to experience a shorter lifespan. You need balance to perform almost every activity– only strong muscles can keep you sturdy.
Balance training improves stability and prevents falls. Below are a few more reasons why you should practice them.
What Is A Balance Training Exercise?
Balance training refers to every physical exercise designed to improve and maintain balance. Body balance control is a complex body function yet a very vital aspect needed to perform every activity. Achieving body balance improves the ability to control and stabilize your body’s position.
Balance training involves strengthening the muscles to help you remain upright and stable. The more you do these balance training sessions, the better for your health. There are intense balance training exercises that are more challenging. However, you can opt for simpler and less strenuous practices.
Some of the balance training exercises that can improve your stability include:
- Standing on one leg and raising the other leg behind you.
- Standing up from and sitting on a chair without using your hands.
- Shifting your weight from side to side.
- Walking heel to toe.
- Using a balance board.
You can do balance training exercises as many times as you want. If done safely, balance training should improve the overall body balance.
Who Should Do Balance Training Exercises?
Anyone can and should do balance training. Balancing training could be a great place to start if you plan to hit the gym. The exercise focuses on your core, improves your overall strength, and prepares your body for more advanced physical exercises.
If you are already into more advanced exercises, you can begin with simple moves such as balancing your body on one leg.
You can then push yourself into more challenging moves that improve muscular strength and aerobic stamina. You can then try yoga’s warrior III pose to determine your readiness for the challenge.
Some forms of balance training exercises are better than others. For instance, walking on a smooth surface with no side-to-side movement may not count much. It would help to target more specific training exercises rather than indulging in numerous balance training exercises.
Why You Should Do Balance Training Exercises
Have you ever seen a child learning to walk? What usually is the challenge? For most children, it’s not about strength but balancing.
Balancing training exercises have massive benefits. It is one of the four types of recommended exercise, along with strength, aerobic and flexibility exercises. Together, they improve health and physical ability. Besides improving health, balance training comes with the following benefits:
Increases muscular power
Other exercises can equally increase your muscle power. However, none of them increases the power output of the muscles like balance training exercises. Exerting more force while training makes you sprint faster and jump higher than your competitors.
If you are into sports requiring short yet powerful movements, balance training can help you build the strength to power through any event.
Prevents falls
How often do you fall while walking? Do you need help with stability while performing light duties? It’s probably because you have lost control of your core limb. Balance drills help you control your limbs more deftly and allow you to move swiftly without hindrance. You can also adapt to any change in your body position.
You also avoid physical damage like broken hips and fractured limbs whenever you avoid falls. Moreover, balance training restores the stability you need to walk. Perfect body balance will work to optimal levels and help you react to slips that might make you fall unexpectedly.
It helps you build better posture
A person who rarely focuses on physical fitness has equally terrible body posture. You should never ignore body fitness. A sedentary lifestyle could trigger hunched shoulders, pelvic tilts, and limited upper-back movement.
Focusing on training balance exercises will help build a better posture. You also learn the static and dynamic positions your body needs. In short, you can only attain good posture if you have optimal body balance.
Improves body coordination
Humans should have excellent coordination. But if you are an athlete, you should strive to be fitter to attain a high level of coordination. Unfortunately, many of our daily activities limit us from performing tasks that can improve balance.
Balance exercises like walking on railings can help restore the balance of reflexive response. You can adapt and react to any situation comfortably with good balance and better coordination.
How Often Should You Do Balance Training Exercises?
You can do balance training exercises as often as you feel. If you are an adult with tripping and falling tendencies, ensure you practice balance exercises at least three times a week.
Note that balancing exercises should be moderate for beginners. You can perform more intense muscle-strengthening activities once a week to help your muscles acclimatize to the exercise program. With time, you can transition to intensive practices.
Key Takeaway
One of the most overlooked aspects of human training is the body’s ability to balance. Balance is vital for exercising and performing daily tasks.
In addition, balance exercises improve your ability to control and stabilize your body’s position. In addition, you will get better posture, can increase muscle power, and help with tripping problems.
The best thing about these exercises is that they are easy to incorporate into a daily routine. It is easy to find unique opportunities to practice balance exercises. Whether balancing on a bench or standing on one foot, ensure you are doing something. And remember, be patient– even if you struggle, keep at it, and you will improve.
