New Age Health Spa (New York)
Everyday we attempt to balance financial affairs, diets, and exercise programs; while also attempting to keep that fine balance between work, play, and our personal lives. But the most fundamental type of balance, that intrinsic human function we depend upon each day--to get out of bed, to walk, to play sports or to dance the night away is taken for granted. It seems like there isn't a day that goes by at the spa that I don't meet someone plagued by injury; whether it's a sprained ankle, a fused spine, or other common injury. These injuries have nothing to do with a lack of strength or lack of flexibility, and rarely do they have anything to do with a lack of endurance. More often than not, sprains and strains have to do with poor balance: proprioception, to be exact.

Improving your balance may not be number-one on your priority list, but maybe it should be. Balance falls into the same category as flexibility, core strength, and mobility. These are all things our bodies need to function efficiently, but many of us don't actually do exercises to improve them. If you exercise regularly, you already work on your balance without even knowing it. Yet just because you exercise doesn't mean there isn't room for improvement. The following list includes some helpful tips to improve your balance at home.

1. Incorporate balancing exercises into your strength training routine by doing unilateral exercises (one arm or one leg at a time) or by changing your leg stance.

2. When you're using machines to lift weights, sit away from the pad to work on those torso stabilizers.

3. Get an exercise ball. Among the abundance of exercises you can do, simply sit on it while you watch television or work on the computer. You'll work on your balance and burn a few more calories. for some fresh exercise ideas, try taking a ball class the next time you visit the spa or your local gym.

4. Incorporate simple balancing moves while you're brushing your teeth, waiting in line, washing the dishes. Try to balance on one leg for as long as you can. To make it harder, close your eyes! 5. Walk with a book on your head. It'll improve your balance and posture. Good posture can even help your midsection look slimmer to boot!