I consider myself a yogi, (a person who has practiced yoga with intention). I practice yoga because it calms my mind, strengthens my muscles, and improves my balance.
As we age, we need to work on our balance. Certain tasks, such as practicing single-leg balancing, are easy to work on daily.
My favorite balance poses for my patients is called the balancing stick.
Shift your weight to your right foot and grip the floor with your toes; this is called grounding. It helps all the leg muscles engage. Stare at a point in front of you, or in yoga, called a Drishti, to help stabilize.
Lift your left foot, point your toe forward about 30° angle from your hip, and hold this position for 10 seconds gripping the floor.
Then, step forward onto your left foot, grounding with the floor, lift your right foot backward about the same 30° angle, and lean forward, staring at your Drishti; hold this position for 10 seconds, tighten your core, grip the floor, and raise your arms forward.
Repeat, starting with your left foot first. Work up to 30 seconds, and then you can progress leaning forward with your body. It works all your muscles while you hold your balance. Try it!
Wendy Webb Schoenewald PT OCS
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
Doylestown, PA.
(215) 489-3234
University of Delaware
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