Balance? (The not-falling-over kind.)

distinctlybeautiful
distinctlybeautiful Posts: 1,041 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
My balance is, well, imbalanced. B) Pun fully intended.

But seriously, I can balance much more easily on my left foot than my right. I discovered this a while ago when I started doing the standing quad stretch without holding onto anything. After a year I've gotten much better, although it's still easier when I'm standing on my left foot. I just started incorporating split squats with the rear foot elevated, and I'm having the same problem. When I'm on my right foot with my left foot back on the bench, I'm very shaky and sometimes can't even finish the set without taking my foot down to avoid falling over.

Have any of y'all experienced this? What's going on, and how can I fix it?

Replies

  • KiyaK
    KiyaK Posts: 519 Member
    The not falling over kind. Lol.

    Having an imbalance in your balance (lolz) is very common. Just like you probably have a side that's slightly stronger, more flexible or better at fine motor skills.

    To improve it, just keep doing balancing things. Maybe try out a yoga class. Keep doing the split squats. Stand around on one leg while you cook dinner or brush your teeth. My husband works on his balance when he puts his shoes on (I know, it sounds silly, but bare with me) every time he puts them on, he stands on one leg to do it. That's at least once a day, if not more. It's a little thing, but it's something he does on a regular basis.

    Of course, to improve balance overall, engage your core & stare at one spot on the wall to keep your attention. If you're looking all over the room you're more likely to fall.

    You just need practice, that's all.
  • jmgj27
    jmgj27 Posts: 531 Member
    Wobble board all the way!
  • distinctlybeautiful
    distinctlybeautiful Posts: 1,041 Member
    Ok thanks, I was hoping there was something other than practice. I shoulda known better..
  • KiyaK
    KiyaK Posts: 519 Member
    distinctlybeautiful wrote: »
    I was hoping there was something other than practice.

    lol don't we all...
  • cyndit1
    cyndit1 Posts: 170 Member
    Bosu squats helped me tremendously with balance and yes one side for me had the same issue.
  • cgvet37
    cgvet37 Posts: 1,189 Member
    cyndit1 wrote: »
    Bosu squats helped me tremendously with balance and yes one side for me had the same issue.

    I was going to say the same thing. Do squats on the Bosu ball.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    try a yoga class or two for additional balance work or even a pose or two-like tree pose
  • chocolate_owl
    chocolate_owl Posts: 1,695 Member
    I twisted my right ankle pretty badly a while ago. I'm far more wobbly balancing on my right leg than on my left. It's gotten better with time and training, but I'm not sure it will ever be the same. Keep in mind if the exercise you're doing is significantly hindered by your lack of balance and if you could hurt yourself by not being properly supported, especially if you've had an injury before. If I'm doing SLDLs, I usually wear an ankle brace for added stability. If I'm doing unweighted split squats or lunges, I don't - those have helped me get my strength back. TRX split squats (initally with a pole for assistance, then without it as I've progressed) in particular have been helpful.

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