Fit Minute – Balance

Fit Minute – Balance

In this Fit Minute Friday segment, Nancy shows you how to wake up your brain to balancing. Balance is very important and often we do not know we’ve lost our ability to balance until we try to stand on one foot!  As we age it is a good idea to test ourselves and challenge our balance.  Safety first here folks!  If you are unstable, be sure you have a chair back to grab onto, just in case you need assistance.  First try standing on one foot. You can put your arms out if that helps you to retain balance. Set your goal at 1 minute per leg, then switch feet.  If that seems simple to you, you can challenge yourself by closing your eyes.  Again…keep that chair or counter nearby in case you need to grab it.  I am always amazed at how difficult it is to balance with your eyes closed.

Another way to challenge yourself is to use an exercise disk. If you don’t have a disk, you can use a small throw pillow or cushion from your couch.  This will give you enough instability to start with and will make your entire body work harder to maintain balance.  Be sure to alternate between both feet.  Start by going 10 seconds and work yourself up to a minute.  #FitMinute