Dancing for Better Balance

I recently attended a wedding, and after what must have been an eight- course meal, I had the pleasure of observing some interesting dance moves from people of all ages (from my perch at a safe distance away from the dance floor).

Well, as usual, the subject of balance was on my mind, as and I watched, I thought, “Hmm, they’re moving sideways, backwards, and in circles, and the footwork definitely demands some degree of coordination. Dancing is definitely a good way to train balance.”

Maybe you should be doing a little dancing.

Now you don’t need to take ballroom lessons (although I’m sure that would be fun). And you don’t even need a partner.

Here’s how to get started:

Put on some good music with a catchy rhythm.

Find an open space in your living room and remove any tripping hazards like magazines or shoes.

Start shifting your weight from one foot to another.

Then as you sway to your right, lift up your left foot and tap it. Then put your left foot down and shift your weight onto your left and lift the right foot up and tap.

Step, tap, step, tap.

Now as you set that lifted foot back down, move it to a different location two inches forward or backwards from where it was, so you start to gradually turn.

You can get as fancy as you want. Get your arms and shoulders into the mix as well.

Do this for five minutes. Congratulations! You just trained your balance.

If you feel like your balance isn’t ready for this, just do the side to side motions while standing by the sink with your hands holding onto the countertop. Side to side, step, tap.

And remember, even if you look like you have two left feet, it’s still good for you.

Have fun.