So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!
1Corinthians 10:12 (NIV)
My last blog post was about the proper strength & posture necessary to keep our balance. The opening scripture warns that just thinking we are doing things correctly will not keep us from falling. Here’s a few approaches (moves) that can help keep us keep our balance while we’re in motion.
Let’s start simple.
A normal walking gait is heal/toe with a knee bend between steps. (Remember Andrew’s ‘noodle knees’ from my last blog. https://mvarga.com/posture-body-alignment/balance-101/
The above pictures on heals AND on toes is technically not about moving balance, but walking on either heals or toes will definitely challenge your balance. Make sure there is a counter nearby in case you need to grab it.
Just STANDING on our heals or toes will challenge our balance. When I do this routinely at the kitchen or bathroom counter, it carries over to how I stand when I’m walking. We need to be sure we’re standing in proper posture when standing on our heals or toes. No leaning forward! That’s how it will carry over to our walking posture!
Now let’s do some walking balance drills. Like any other exercise, it only begins to pay off with frequency & practice, practice, practice…
Let me introduce you to Alison Cardoza to show you a couple of moving balance tricks you can incorporate into your fitness routine. Alison is a certified personal trainer and guest author in my book, The Afflicted Healer…see the heading on my website for further info & to order. She writes a whole chapter about BALANCE.
Alison was also voted ‘the best of the best’ as a certified personal trainer in the 2021 Courier Journal , Best of the Best survey in Louisville, KY. Below are two videos of Alison demonstrating different moving balance exercises. They may be challenging at first, but practice makes perfect! Consider asking a personal trainer to walk you through them the first time.
The first video is the tight rope. With arms out for balance, walk slowly with one foot directly in front of the other. Think of doing a sobriety test!
The second video is the grapevine. The grapevine is good for both our balance & coordination. If you’re unsteady at all, perform this exercise at a ballet bar or touching a wall. Watch Alison as she stands with hands on hips, moving SLOWLY to the side, moving the same foot forward, and then back.
Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.
Jeremiah 33:6 (NIV)
Like everything in life, the more you do something, the more it becomes a habit for you. In this case, a very good habit to maintain steady balance as we age.
Dear Lord,
You didn’t make our bodies to last forever. Until we’re home with you, help us to take good care of the bodies You’ve given us.
As we get older, our once natural strength & balance will decline. You’ve given us professionals and exercises to slow that decline. Help us to use that gift You’ve given us. If we struggle, remind us that nothing worthwhile comes without good ole hard work & discipline.
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