The importance of Postural Balance is often forgotten
Wed 5 Mar 2008
Paul Stapley whom runs a lab at McGill University studies the concept of balance among athletes, the elderly, and people with sensory problems. He “advocates balance as essential for everyday movement” as well as “it is important in the athletic milieu where athletes put balance to the ultimate test”. How much of your workouts do you focus on balance tasks? If you work on your balance not only will it enhance your perform tasks, it may decline the loss of balance as you age. According to Stapley “Balance training improves proprioception by repairing damaged pathways to the brain, strengthens weakened stabilizing muscles and teaches the body new strategies for keeping the body upright.” So how do you work to begin to improve the task at home? Start by brushing your teeth on one leg, or simply standing on one foot in your living room with your eyes closed. At the gym turn a bosu flat side up and keep the instrument stable – attempt a squat. If the bosu is too easy try a dyna disk. If you want more techniques to work on improving your balance be sure to ask your personal trainer.
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