Abdelrahman
In the hustle of balancing a full-time job, parenting responsibilities, and a demanding fitness routine, it’s easy for balance training to be overlooked. However, it’s essential to recognize that our ability to maintain balance tends to decline with age.
Evaluating your balance can be as straightforward as attempting to stand on one leg or try a wobble board. Incorporating balance training into your routine is vital for sustaining functional fitness—essentially, the strength needed for daily activities such as climbing stairs or rising from a seated position.
The positive news? You don’t need to dedicate hours to see progress. Physical therapist Jessica Valant has developed an efficient balance workout that requires just 10 minutes of your time.
How to Perform the 10-Minute Balance Routine
Valant’s routine is beginner-friendly and requires just a mat and a chair, although any stable surface like a countertop or wall can substitute.
The workout features variations of lunges, standing hip openers, and squats. Most of these exercises are unilateral, focusing on one side of the body at a time.
Unilateral training is effective for addressing muscle imbalances, enhancing core engagement, and cultivating functional strength that improves balance.
What Are the Advantages of Enhanced Balance?
According to Dr. RJ Williams, a physical therapist at FYZICAL Therapy and Balance Centers, balance is a fundamental component of all our daily tasks.
“Balance is an unavoidable aspect of human function,” asserts Williams. “Whether you’re standing still or moving, maintaining balance is essential for remaining upright.”
He emphasizes that improving balance leads to “a better life,” fostering independence and confidence as one ages.
The silver lining is that individuals of all ages can enhance their balance abilities.
“We’ve witnessed improvements in balance among patients in their 90s and even centenarians participating in guided balance and exercise programs,” Williams notes. “It’s never too late to enhance your skills.”
