Whether you’re 20 or 80, working on improving your balance is important. Why? Because you need good balance to do just about anything from simple daily tasks like walking or bending over to put on a shoe to more athletic performances like riding a bike and skiing the slopes. Improving your balance also helps reduce your risk of falls and injury.
One way you can improve your balance is by practicing balancing and lower-body strength-training exercises. These types of exercises work your legs, lower back, and core muscles to build good balance. Ready to improve your balance? Try these 12 exercises! While some of these exercises may be difficult at first, with time and practice you’ll be well on your way to improving your balance.
Heel-Toe Walking
If you don’t have good balance right now, it’s best to start with beginner exercises such as heel-toe walking. To practice heel-toe walking, start by sticking a piece of tape to the floor or if you’re outside you can draw a line with a piece of chalk.
Holding your arms out wide to the side, walk along the piece of tape (or line) without stepping off the side. Pay close attention to placing each heel in front of your toes of the opposite foot. Try to perform at least 15 to 20 steps.