Balanced And Strong

Balance is an essential skill for people of all ages. It allows us to move safely and confidently through our environment, and it is also important for many everyday activities, such as getting dressed, bathing, and cooking.

There are many physical benefits to practicing balance postures. These include:

• Improved balance and coordination: Balance postures help to strengthen the muscles that control your balance and coordination. This can help to reduce your risk of falls and injuries.
• Increased strength: Balance postures also help to strengthen your core muscles and other major muscle groups. This can lead to improved overall strength and fitness.
• Improved flexibility: Balance postures can help to improve your flexibility and range of motion. This can make it easier to perform everyday activities and can also help to reduce your risk of injuries.
• Reduced pain: Balance postures can help to reduce pain caused by muscle imbalances and poor posture.
• Improved sports performance: Balance postures can help to improve your sports performance by increasing your agility and coordination.

In addition to the physical benefits, practicing balance postures can also have a number of mental benefits. These include:

• Improved focus and concentration: Balance postures require you to focus on your body and your surroundings. This can help to improve your overall focus and concentration by teaching you to turn down the “noise” around you.
• Reduced stress and anxiety: Balance postures can help to reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and mindfulness. When you are balancing, you can’t think about your to-do list or worry about unanswered emails or you will topple.
• Increased awareness of your body: Balance postures can help you to become more aware of your body and how it moves. This can lead to better body image and improved self-confidence. That wobbly feeling? That’s your body fighting for you! How cool is that?

There are many different ways to practice balance postures. You can find balance exercises in yoga, Pilates, tai chi, and other fitness classes. You can also do balance exercises at home with or without props. Try to find time each day to work on your balance abilities!

Here are a few examples of balance postures that you can do at home:

• Tree pose: Stand on one leg with the other foot placed on the inside of the standing leg thigh or calf (NOT the knee). Raise your arms overhead and hold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Warrior II pose: Stand with your feet wide apart and turn your right foot out 90 degrees. Bend your right knee until it is just above your right ankle. Keep your left leg straight and reach your arms out to the sides. It might feel like you are trying to balance on a surfboard! Hold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Eagle pose: Stand on one slightly bent leg and wrap the other leg around the standing leg thigh, with the foot flexed and hooked behind the knee (if possible – the binding isn’t necessary). Reach your arms out in front of you, elbows bent and palms together. Squeeze your legs together strongly and hold for 30-60 seconds. Repeat on the other side.
• Tip Toe Pose: Pretend to be in the ballet and simply stand on your tiptoes! Your arms are free to move as you’d like as you balance on your toes. Try to bend your knees or lean to one side as you stay lifted on your toes. Can you fold forward or go on one foot?

We encourage you to use props to help you with balance postures. For example, you can use a chair or wall for support if you need it. You can also use a yoga block or strap to help, or even try doing these postures with a buddy you can lean on!