June 22
Balance Training
Athletes who put together balance training into their total conditioning programs not only improve their physical performance but also lessen the danger of injury. Balance training enhances one's own awareness, coordination and strength. By including balance boards, discs, pods, pads, and rockers into your workout routines, you can develop the skills necessary to respond to unstable situations.
You can be strong, flexible and aerobically fit, yet still have poor balance. Training can help you maintain and improve balance. This is important since balance tends to deteriorate with age, which can lead to falls and fractures. Try standing on one leg for increasing periods of time to improve your overall stability. Activities such as tai chi can promote balance.
This is a good test to evaluate your own balance. Stand up and place one foot directly in front of the other so that the heel of your front foot touches the toes of your back foot. Keep both feet flat on the floor. Hold that position and close your eyes. If you can maintain your balance for 30 seconds, you are doing pretty well. If you are wobbling just about as soon as you close your eyes, or before, your balance is poor.