Balance. We all try to get it in our lives so we don’t lose control. Our muscles are no different. They constantly react based on what you do. The more active you are, the better they respond to catch you before you fall. Below are some benefits that balance training can provide and the approach taken to improve reaction.
Benefits:
Promotes neural activity that keeps the nervous system activated, always adapting, and healthy.
Increases joint proprioception (body awareness in relation to space).
Improves and/or maintains muscle coordination to efficiently use energy when performing a task.
Increases mental concentration, acuity, and reaction time.
Approach:
Incorporating various modes of stability challenges that increase the nervous system’s ability to respond quickly to change, thus decreasing reaction time. Modes vary from using a narrow stance, single stance, unstable surfaces, to performing multi-coordinated movements.
In order to move, you must fall first. But to keep moving, you must be able to continually catch yourself.