Get ready to get moving by adding this into your routine.
Hint: You should do it at least twice per week.
Imagine walking along, lost in thought, only to trip out of nowhere.
In that moment of surpriseand, ahem, a little embarrassmentyou may think to yourselfWhy I am so clumsy?
The ability to keep ourselves upright and in controlwhether standing or movingis called balance.
How we move our different body parts together is called coordination.
These work hand-in-hand to help us navigate the world each day.
But theres often one overlooked habit that can significantly improve both balance and coordination.
Keep reading to learn what that habit is and how to get more of it in your routine.
The #1 Habit for Coordination and Balance
The No.
1 habit for improving bothcoordination and balanceis strength training.
Strength training is also called resistance exercise.
Its a form of exercise that causes muscles to contract against an external force.
This resistance can come from your own body weight, dumbbells, weight machines or resistance bands.
One review found that resistance exercise helped improve balance in adults and older adults.
(A true multitasker!)
How Does Strength Training Help Coordination and Balance?
Activates Your Muscles
Did you know you have more than 650 muscles?
These muscles work closely with your nervous system.
Stronger muscles act like scaffolding for your body, helping you maintain balance while standing, sitting or moving.
Builds a Strong Core
Your core is more than just the abdominal muscles.
A strong core is essential for good posture, stability and balance.
Tips for Incorporating Strength Training
Strength training doesnt require equipment.
Add free weights like dumbbells or start using weight machines.
Remember to start light and gradually increase the weight as your strength improves.
And thats where connecting with a personal trainereven for just one or two sessionscan be invaluable.
The Bottom Line
The No.
1 habit for better balance and coordination is strength training.
Strength training isnt just about building muscle.
Strength training improves coordination, balance, joint stability and core strengthall essential for a healthy and mobile body.
Sarabon, N., & Kozinc, Z.
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.Health Lesson: Learning About Muscles.
2020;17(12):4306.
Published 2020 Jun 16. doi:10.3390/ijerph17124306]
