Make Balance Hard When You Practice and

Easy When You Use It.

Balance is a fundamental component of physical fitness that doesn't get much "press". Most people don't fall too often, and don't get hurt when they do.

Stability improves your foundation which enhances your performance and helps prevent injuries, especially from falls.

Yoga is great for this because it requires no equipment, you can do it anywhere and it has exercises for every level.

The following routine will improve stability and strengthen the muscles in your legs.

Stand close to a chair, table or wall so you can stabilize yourself until you don't need them any more.

Take it easy at first and don't be surprised if you fall, it's natural for beginners.

Standing Stability Routine

Balance is actually in your head, and more specifically in your ears. When your head moves a fluid in your ears moves, which bends hairlike sensors that send signals to your brain which tell you if you're balanced or not.

If your center of gravity moves outside your stance, you'll fall over.

You keep your footing with practice, and training your "stability muscles".

You can also practice and strengthen your stability muscles in everyday situations. I'll cover sport specific stability in the sport and training sections.

When you put your shoes on, pick up one shoe, stand upright, lift your foot up as high as possible and put on your shoe standing on one foot. Lean your butt against, or near a solid wall for stability if you need to, but try not to use it.

Switch feet and do the same on the other side.

Do it every time you put on your shoes and soon it'll be easy. Tie your shoe laces the same way to improve even faster.

If you ride the transit, stand instead of sitting and use your legs to keep your balance. Hold a hand strap, but use it only as a last resort.

Most gyms also have stability platforms, pads, even a fitness ball (be very careful if you try this one). I'll cover gym stability exercises in the exercise equipment and training sections.

Keep your base in a lot of sport and real life situations by "bending like a reed in the wind".

Years ago I was sparing with Chuck (a friend and Kung Fu instructor). He was twice my size (almost exactly) so I decided the best strategy was to be super aggressive so he didn't have time to attack.

It worked pretty well, until he side kicked me right on center:-? Luckily I knew enough to let the force knock me back without resisting it.

It was a strange sensation, because I didn't resist I flew through the air standing upright. I landed on my feet completely unhurt because I didn't resist the motion.

If I had been rigid, or tried to resist the force I would have been injured, or knocked over.

No matter how strong you are, and how good your balance is there is a limit, give way or move in favor or falling over.

Bend like a reed in the wind;-)