One Leg Away From Better Balance

by Laura Inverarity, D.O.

for About.com

Updated April 06, 2005

Often as we age, our balance skills deteriorate. For this reason it is important to do exercises to improve and maintain balance throughout our lives. Balance exercises can be performed daily and in your own home. You can start out with simple balance activities and increase the difficulty as your balance improves.

Improving your balance takes practice. One simple exercise can be done and modified as your skill level improves. Read on to learn how to improve your balance starting today.

Beginner:

Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top.
Lightly grasp the chair or counter top with your finger tips.
Raise one leg a foot off the ground.
Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
Hold for a count of ten seconds.
Repeat with other leg.
Perform five on each leg.

Intermediate:

Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top for safety only.
Without holding on to the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
Hold for a count of ten seconds.
Repeat with other leg.
Perform five on each leg.

Advanced:

Stand up straight behind a tall chair or at a counter top for safety only.
Close both eyes.
Without holding on to the chair or countertop raise one leg a foot off the ground.
Maintain your balance while standing on one leg.
Hold for a count of ten seconds.
Repeat with other leg.
Perform five on each leg.