5 Ways to Improve Your Balance

5 Ways to Improve Your Balance with Andrea Metcalf

Muscle balance is important throughout our lives for fluid movement, preventing slips, falls, and injuries. Although it may not be visibly apparent which muscles are stronger or weaker, many chronic aches and pains develop due to these imbalances. Here are five ways to improve your balance:

1. Stork style. Stand on one leg while waiting in line or brushing your teeth. Standing on one leg can help strengthen inner thigh and surrounding hip muscles. 
2. Pointer style. Start on hands and knees and reach one hand forward and opposite leg. This balance position helps strengthen the upper back and core muscles.
3. Teapot style. Start standing on one leg and reach arms out to the side as you lift one leg. This helps strengthen the outer thighs, obliques and shoulder muscles.
4. Bridge style. Start on back with knees bent and reach one leg into the air. This helps strengthen the backside muscles including hamstrings and glutes. 
5. Down Dog style. Start in downward-facing dog hamstring stretch and lift one leg to the sky. This helps strengthen the shoulders, core and backside muscles.