Strengthen your balance every day

Fitness requires a lot more than just muscle strength and cardio conditioning.  You also need to strengthen your brain and sense of balance.  Here are some easy-to-implement strategies

• Waiting for the subway?  Practice standing on one foot.  If you feel unsteady, stand near a pole that you can grab onto if need be.
• On the checkout line at the supermarket? Or brushing your teeth?  Stand on one foot.  Be sure to alternate sides.
• When walking down the street, imagine that you’re stepping along an imaginary line, placing one foot directly in front of the other.
• At the gym?  Practice some of your dumbbell exercises standing on just one foot.  Or stand on a balance pad or rocker board.

Dr. Lavine has been an innovator in the use of movement and touch to promote health since 1981. He practices in New York City and Princeton, NJ.

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