Welcome to day one of your balance challenge!
I’m so happy you are here to work on your balance with me. Today you will need a tennis ball or a similar sized ball.
Your first practice combines all the elements that create balance.
You may have heard of your vestibular system, a series of small canals, micro hairs and ear rocks (or otoliths) in your inner ear. Your vestibular system constantly measures our body’s position in space, relative to gravity, and is the only organ in the body dedicated exclusively to balance functions.
You know how little kids love to spin or turn upside down? This is actually healthy for them as it is stimulating their vestibular system.
Adults need a little stimulation too. That is why we start this practice with a really simple twisting movement that includes some head movement.
The second thing we do is some rolling the feet on the ball. All our practices will be done barefoot if possible but if not, at least try this part with your shoes off. Proprioception is part of good balance and how your feet sense the ground is important. Rolling can wake up the receptors on the bottom of the foot a creates a nice stable base for us to balance on.
The next movement is a one legged balance ‘dance’ that is a great way to build strength in the lower body and adds a dynamic component too. This is important because we rarely fall over when we are standing still. 🙂
Lastly, we practice the classic tree pose with a couple of twists. It combines all three systems that balance you; proprioception, vestibular and vision.
Standing on one foot with eyes closed is tough! Practice in a safe environment and open your eyes if you start to fall!
Have fun and see you tomorrow for day two!