By Beth Dayo

Balance is receiving significant attention in the media, particularly among the aging population, with claims suggesting it as a vital factor for a longer and healthier life. While various activities are proposed to enhance balance, the essence lies in understanding the issue of imbalance to ensure movements yield the intended benefits.

The importance of good balance as we age is obvious in regards to its role in preventing falls. Additionally, balance plays a crucial role in maintaining cognitive sharpness and reflexes, contributing to overall agility and responsiveness.

Balance however, is not merely about static stability. True balance encompasses a broad spectrum of flexibility and adaptability. It’s the ability to shift, adjust, and even wobble in response to various stimuli. The familiar grooves and patterns that we have well-worn through our life must be climbed out of. In that process we learn that, rather than resisting gravity, achieving balance entails surrendering to it. Ultimately allowing the body to hold both rest and energy/effort harmoniously. 

Based on that knowledge, to enhance balance, it is essential to address underlying imbalances effectively. Joint mobility, particularly in joints such as ankles, knees, and hips is critical. As is muscular strength.

An illustration of this is to consider the foot and ankle coming in contact with an unexpected change in terrain. If it has a stiff pattern or imbalance of strength on one side, you will be more likely to roll your ankle or fall, then to be able to respond and recover with minimal impact. The leg joints are obviously a crucial part of balance but a flexible spine is imperative to the overall stability and movement.

So, now that we know a little about what balance is and how we may be imbalanced, what are we to do about it? Some articles I’ve seen make recommendations like tandem standing (one leg directly in front of the other) and single leg balance drills. These can be helpful on their own but to get the most out of any activity, it is necessary to build awareness of your body's current patterns.

Check out one example of how to explore in the video below.

The best solution to improve your balance is by engaging in practices that are intentional and based on discovery of your own sensation. That is the true and only way the body learns, by feel. We may just need some reminders as we’ve spent many years moving away from feel and into thought.

Beth Dayo has been sharing her movement expertise with the West Seattle community for the last 13 years. She utilizes Pilates, Yoga, and Meditation to facilitate transformation for clients at her new studio, Bend N Move, located at 3850A Delridge Way SW. You can connect with her on Instagram @life.in.the.body or visit www.bendnmove.com