Suggestions for Improving Balance?

[Joni O]

Oh my! I am so tippy! I know my balance isn't the greatest, but this morning I tried Jessica Smith's Core Stretch and I literally kept tipping. Seriously. Kneeling on one knee, twisting and placing my opposite elbow on the knee out front without falling over? Impossible (and sad). I should have kept my BOSU.

Any suggestions for improving balance before I get older and it just gets worse?

Thanks!

[bee]

I will be following this thread closely as I just noticed the same thing -- sadly! I think just working on it -- we need to stand on one foot and move the rest of our bodies around as often as we can think about it. But, I'm hoping someone will have something a little more helpful than that.

[Sassy]

I have some serious balance issues too - especially when I'm trying to balance on my left side.

I know that for me, one big aspect will be to lose some weight - I'm currently very top heavy and I know that has an effect.

Beyond that, I think a combo of strengthening my legs, and strengthening my core is what's going to help me.

After that - just practice and "time on the hill" as my dad puts it (in skiing terms)

[Vintage VFer]

I starting focusing on balance several years ago when I got a diagnosis of osteopenia. I have managed to regain some bone mass from strength training, but balance is still a major focus in most of my workouts.

The first DVD I would highly recommend is Jane Adams' Stronger Standing Balance:

http://www.amazon.com/Improve-Balanc...+adams+balance

There are seven, well-chaptered segments. She starts out with lying floor moves to work the muscles used for balance and then works up to very difficult standing poses. Jane mirror cues, which I love (and is rare in any yoga types of workouts). There is no woo-woo.

V-Core by Dr Emily Splichal is a good workout for balance, but the instructor has a terrible, mannered way of speaking. Her cueing isn't that great either. I can't bring myself to do the workout.

There are a lot of things you can do in all of your workouts (and daily life) to improve balance. In many strength sections, I stand on one leg during the biceps work. When that gets easy, stand on one leg on a BOSU or balance disc.

At first, keep a chair or wall nearby for support. When you are brushing your teeth, pick up one foot from the floor.

You'd be surprised how many ways there are for you work on balance all day long!

[nevertoolate]

I recommend Stronger Standing Balance with Jane Adams. She also incorporates balance training on her Gentle Yoga dvd. I love both of these.

Improving our balance is such an important part of fitness, especially as we get older.

Ann

Oops! Vintage VFER beat me to it. Good post.

[PennyK]

I found Rejuvenetics (vhs-Amazon) a few years ago after reading a brief mention of it here on vf and really enjoy it. A blend of ballet, tai chi, and yoga involving a lot of one legged and arm movements. Short and sweet and has been super for helping me with balance. Definitely a keeper!

[Pat58]

Barre3 has helped me tremendously with my balance.

[txhsmom]

I also would recommend the two Jane Adams DVDs suggested upthread, as well as Barre3, which incorporates lots of balance work!

Carol

[monterey vidiot]

I haven't done my Body Bar DVDs in a while, but in one of them, LaShaun Dale instructs during a balance move, "pinch your cheeks." Meaning squeeze butt cheeks together. Tightening the core. It helps.

[Calistro]

Hello Joni,

Have you tried Joel Harper Fit Pack Better Balance DVD?

https://www.totalfitnessdvds.com/Sea...ch=joel+harper

To be honest he has a bit of balance in a lot of his other stuff.

It has helped with my balance and he is easy on the ears and eyes