Focus on Balance

The key to sticking to a fitness routine is finding one you enjoy.

This week our focus is balance.

Front Lunge to Balance

Start

1.     Stand with your feet hip-width apart and step forward with one leg into a wide stance (about 2-3 feet apart).

Movement

1.     Keeping your core tight, descend so that your back knee almost touches the floor. At the bottom of the movement, the front thigh should be parallel to the floor and the back knee should point toward the floor.  Both legs basically form 90 degree angles. Make sure your front knee does not extend beyond your toes.

2.     Push back up to a single leg balance.

3.     Repeat for one minute then switch legs.

Side Lunge to Balance

Start

1. Stand with your feet pointed straight ahead, placed shoulder-width

apart.

2. Lift your chest, tuck-in your chin and place your hands on your

hips.

Movement

3. Contract your glutes and lunge sideways with one leg.

4. Keep the lunge foot straight with the knee bent and directly in line

with the foot.

5. Your opposite leg should remain straight with the foot staying flat on the ground.

6. Push off your bent leg into a balanced standing position.

7. Repeat one minute to the right; then one minute to the left.

Single Leg Balance

Start
1. Stand tall with feet straight and shoulder-width apart.
2. Lift chest and push shoulders back.
Movement
1. Draw-in belly button and squeeze butt muscles.
2. Balance on one leg and lift other directly beside it with foot flexed and hip bent at 90 degree angle.
3. Hold balance position for 30 seconds; then repeat on other leg. 

Have fun and be healthy!

Carol