The Importance of Balance as we Age. Test Yourself.

hollydolly said:
I've done this test just recenntly... I'm 70 in a few days, and I can stand on one leg for 60 seconds.. which is twice the amount expcted of someone under 40
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Excellent. Can you do that on both your left and right leg?
 

I tried this 3 times.

The first time wasn't good, maybe since I'm not used to doing anything like that. I could only stand 15 seconds on the left leg, and 8 seconds on the right.

By the 3rd time I tried it, I stood 34 seconds on the left leg before starting to lose my balance, and 35 seconds on the right.
 
MACKTEXAS said:
I tried this 3 times.

The first time wasn't good, maybe since I'm not used to doing anything like that. I could only stand 15 seconds on the left leg, and 8 seconds on the right.

By the 3rd time I tried it, I stood 34 seconds on the left leg before starting to lose my balance, and 35 seconds on the right.
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I notice that a new exercise takes 10 reps or so to get the pattern down so I would guess that your 3rd attempt is representative of your ability.

2 pointers for those attempting either the balance test or balance exercises make sure your shoes are tied securely. And second think about "engaging your core" just prior to the movement. This will keep your trunk more stable which will improve your results dramatically. Engaging the core is a learned movement in it's own right, it's subtle so keep after it, you'll figure it out!
 
againstthegrain said:
I notice that a new exercise takes 10 reps or so to get the pattern down so I would guess that your 3rd attempt is representative of your ability.

2 pointers for those attempting either the balance test or balance exercises make sure your shoes are tied securely. And second think about "engaging your core" just prior to the movement. This will keep your trunk more stable which will improve your results dramatically. Engaging the core is a learned movement in it's own right, it's subtle so keep after it, you'll figure it out!
Click to expand...
I think it's best to do this without shoes on as they tend to give you an advantage. The goal is to do this without a crutch.
 
I read once that part of the problem as we age is that our posture often tends to be a bit stooped.
This causes our inner ear to get out of sync with our environment, and our center of gravity to shift.
A good exercise is to stand with your back against a wall, stand as tall as you can, and try to flatten your shoulders against the wall, and maintain that for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.
I do it most every day, and I think it also helps keep me conscious of whether my posture is right.
 
I am in the under 40yrs category for both legs. But, I do things that require good balance, like riding bikes/motorcycles, and hiking on uneven trails. In younger days skating and skiing. ADHD - can’t sit still.
 
bobcat said:
I read once that part of the problem as we age is that our posture often tends to be a bit stooped.
This causes our inner ear to get out of sync with our environment, and our center of gravity to shift.
A good exercise is to stand with your back against a wall, stand as tall as you can, and try to flatten your shoulders against the wall, and maintain that for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.
I do it most every day, and I think it also helps keep me conscious of whether my posture is right.
Click to expand...
It also has to do with loss of muscle mass as we age and lack of exercise.
 
EmptyCup said:
I am in the under 40yrs category for both legs. But, I do things that require good balance, like riding bikes/motorcycles, and hiking on uneven trails. In younger days skating and skiing. ADHD - can’t sit still.
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Good for you. Don't stop.
 
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