Simple Balance Fitness Training Exercises

Most people equate being physically fit with having well toned , muscular bodies sculpted through hours of concentrated weight lifting in a fitness centre . People used to believe that brute strength would beat anything, but the truth is strength demands balance. Balance training were once the domain of rehabilitation and physical therapy assistance practitioners , but in later years balance training exercises have increased in popularity among all generations. Athletes, sports enthusiasts, and even elderly citizens have found balance training exercises extremely helpful as they not only can improve athletic performances but help avoid injuries, whether on the field or in the home.

Several exercises and techniques exist for balance training, the most important thing to keep in mind is that balance training should be a progressive exercise . Individuals should not jump from never having attempted balance training to trying the most complicated exercises straight away .

Primary Balance and Stability Fitness Training Exercises

The simplest balance exercises to begin with require no equipment of any kind and can be done anytime, anywhere. These simple exercises can be split into two separate groups, standing exercises and walking exercises. Between the two groups there are nine basic exercises that can set anyone on the correct path to improving balance.

The standing exercises include:

– Toe Stand: standing on tip toes for 10 seconds, rest for five seconds
– Tandem Stand: standing with one foot in front of the other, heel to toe
– One-legged Stand: standing on one leg while slowly raising the other, hold for 10 seconds, rest for five seconds
– Heel Stand: raise up on heels for 10 seconds, rest for five seconds

The walking exercises include:

– Toe Walk: rise onto the balls of your feet and walk just about 10 ft, rest, repeat 5 times
– Tandem Forward Walk: walk roughly 10 ft, placing one of your feet in front of the other, heel to toe
– Heel Walk: rise up on heels and walk literally 10 ft, rest, and repeat 5 times
– Cross-over Walk: walk 10 ft placing one foot in front of, and to the other side of the other foot making sure your body follows a straight line
– Tandem Backward Walk: walk 10 ft backward, placing one of your feet behind the other, heel to toe

All of these exercises are excellent training exercises for beginners to work on their balance and begin to improve. The standing exercises, for example, can be increased in difficulty as balance improves by using one hand at first to assist with balance. Individuals can then advance to using no hands, and finally doing the exercises with their eyes shut.

Balance Training Exercise Equipment

Beside these simple exercises at home, there are other exercise programs and equipment that can help an individual increase their balance. Yoga has become progressively popular for balance development thanks largely to its focus on improving the person’s core strength . Yoga’s core strength exercises require a lot of balance and the more individuals practice, the better their core strength becomes, in turn developing their balance.

There are also tools and equipment one can use, such as the Balance Board or the Syco XT . Indo Boards were developed by Hunter Joslin and designed based upon the principles of surfriding. The goal is to provide a fun and challenging environment in which users can work on improving their balance. The Indo Board, simply put, is a large board balanced on a roller. Users develop their balance by maneuvering the board on top of the roller using natural instincts and feel to maintain their balance. The Syco XT combines the principles of surfing and snowboarding , bringing them together in a pivoting frame that allows individuals to use their muscle strength to operate the equipment. In the process of “swing boarding” users attain a core strength work out and work on improving their balance in the process.

Good balance should be considered a key component to every individual’s life. Every move we make requires balance within your body and even the smallest of muscle groups pitch in to maintain our body upright as we walk, go up and down stairs, sit down or get up. A well developed balance can lead to a healthier life overall and help avoid injuries that result from accidents .

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