31 March 2015
Balance is vital to us all in daily life. There are obvious examples of how our bodies apply the skill of balance, such as when we might trip and have to steady ourselves so as not fall over, many sporting situations, right down to simply maintaining balance during walking and reaching.
The bodies balance systems are complex integrated systems that work together in order to maintain this delicate state and counter possible interruptions which would knock us off balance. These systems include the fluid in the inner ear, proprioceptive feedback from the neuromuscular system and vision.
Moving away from the obvious such as standing up then falling over is not good, good balance can enhance sporting performance in many situations from cutting, turning and holding up against an opponent’s attempts to throw us off balance and so disrupt our ability to perform a skill or produce force.
Staying with the concept of force, the body will not be able to produce optimal amounts of force if it is off balance. An unstable base does not provide sufficient support from which the body can effectively apply its strength. Balance training can improve the function of all the associated systems, obviously improving balance and stability which can in turn enhance sporting performance. The other benefit is that improving the performance of these systems can also lead to increased strength in your weights sessions. Improved neuromuscular function and coordination can help realise the force producing potential of the muscles and improve your squat, effectively making you stronger before you even lift heavier.
So, back to this simple, effective balance training. What’s the exercise we should all be doing to reap such rewards? Brush your teeth standing on one leg (ensure you alternate legs). Simple, effective.
If you would like more information on balance training or some ideas on how to develop and expand this area of your training, speak to one of the BS7 trainers who will be happy to help.