Did you know that being able to stand on one leg for one minute can have a multitude of advantages?
Our balance as a nation has significantly decreased in recent years due to our leading a more sedentary lifestyle. Whereas once we used to move about and were more physical in our lives, we now find ourselves spending more time sitting at a computer, shopping online, and watching more television.
Falls are one of the leading accidental causes of death in the UK, proving how high the cost of this lifestyle change can be.
When we balance on one leg, our brain sends signals to our ears, which release fluid integral to balance, our eyes, building our visual coordination (which is why it is more difficult to balance with our eyes closed), and also sends messages to our joints and muscles.
As we get older, the blood flow, fluid, and hairs in our ears start to break down, and this is what can lead to problems with balance. When we wobble standing on one leg, our brains start to compensate by generating new nerves. The more we practice, the more our brain is able to repair and generate these nerves, eventually reaching a point where we wobble less and are able to balance for longer, increasing stability, proprioception (our awareness of the position and movement of our body), and helping to maintain joint strength.
Not only is practicing our balance important for our physical health, but it can also have an impact on our mental health too. Balancing on one leg requires focus, concentration, and time. Incorporating this exercise into our daily lives means we are taking some time out for ourselves, leading to reduced stress.
See our facts and tips below and start your 10 second balance challenge today!
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