180819 Balance
If are just beginning to exercise you will soon learn that balance plays a big part in correctly performing the movements. One of the easiest ways to test your standing balance is to follow the Tai Chi test.
Pick up an accurate stop watch and then do the test at least three times in a row to get the best result. Start with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Just relax with this position. Now close your eyes. Can you still stand without wavering back and forth? If so then you are ready to move onto the actual test.
Cross your arms over one another at the chest. Close your eyes and put all the weight on either your left or right foot. Once this is done then raise the opposite foot up. With the foot up off the ground begin the timer. Keep this position as long as you can without touching the floor with the raised foot or moving it around to maintain your balance. Check your timed results against the chart.
For example, if you were able to balance for: 2.5 seconds then you have the balance of a person 60 years of age:
2.5 60
3.7 50
7.2 40
15.1 30
22.1 20
Reference and chart adaptation: Reader’s Digest Tai Chi for every body.
How did you do? If not very well then keep practicing and it will get better.
ActivelyFitSeniors 