Friday, 13 January 2012

Importance of Balance Training

Have you ever wondered how some people can stand on one leg for hours together without any support or loss of balance? Years of practice you may say, but through some extra effort you could do so too! The magic words are 'balance training'. In a world and time where every time at your fitness centre, you hear different types of exercise routines, balance training is something that begins at home.

There have been times when people have asked their personal trainers, what those huge flexible balls were. They are 'stability balls' which help people work better on their stability. Balance training is considered even more challenging than usual training routines.

So what is the need for Balance?
From the very day we learn to stand on our own feet, we have tried balancing in every way possible. Swimming, cycling, gymnastics are a form of 'balance training' that we learn even before our trainers tell us. Incorporating balance training into the workout routine allows you to balance yourself intrinsically and improves your flexibility levels. This is not just for people who are in their mid-lives but also for youngsters who are active on a day-to-day basis. This helps you enjoy tougher physical activities like uphill cycling etc.

Can I try this at home?
Of course you can! You will feel more comfortable and also enjoy it even more. So how does 'balance training' work without going to fitness centres? There are some simple exercises, prescribed by physiotherapists, which can be done at home at your convenience. Here are some to get you started:

1. Feet Together
Try lifting a heavy object from the ground with your feet wide apart. You will see that you can achieve that with ease. Now repeat the same but keep bringing your feet closer together at every attempt. You will see that the same exercise becomes tougher until a point where you feel you might just lose balance. Trying this in small progressions can help build body balance.

2. The Indian Fakir
This could be the simplest exercise to test your level of balance and to build it up as well. Through the day as you go about doing your regular chores, try standing on one leg without any support. If you manage 30 seconds at the first go, then you surely are in good shape. Try increasing this over time. This helps your body focus on a particular point of balance and maintain stability.

3. The Stability Ball
Though it looks conquerable, trying to sit still on this ball initially is a challenge for anyone. Once you get comfortable with it, try doing your abdominal crunches or weight lifts against the wall with this for support. Apart from exercising, you will also be paying attention in balancing on the ball.

All this just goes to prove that mixing Balance training with normal exercise can bring about a world of difference in your day to day balance and equilibrium.

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