goodGym members came together for a moment with a online yoga class.

today we focused on balance.

Yoga talk Why balance is important

While it may not sound exciting, striving for balance in our everyday lives can promote an assortment of benefits. In fact, the benefits of physical balance go far beyond just being able to walk steadily.

This simple balance assessment is a great place to start. To begin, be sure to have something sturdy to hold onto nearby, and then close your eyes and stand on one foot. Keep track of how long you were able to hold this position.

This can be an eye-opening experience for those who believe they have good balance. Longevity researchers agree that good physical balance can turn back the clock not only physically but functionally. The time, in seconds, that you are able to hold this position correlates with your functional age.

28s = 25-30y 22s = 30-35y 16s = 40y 12s = 45y 9s = 50y 8s = 55y 7s = 60y 6s = 65y 4s = 70y

Functional age is the combination of individuals' physical, mental, emotional and actual chronological ages. 

Balance exercises can also prevent everyday injuries through core strength. Balance begins in your core. The core is more than just the abdomen; strong hips, ankles and gluteal muscles are also critical to good balance. Persons with weak core muscles are more prone to falls, decreased mobility in the spine, slower reflexes and lower back injuries.

Good balance can also support mental clarity and ease anxiety. Researchers concluded that people who took part in balance exercises had greater cognitive gains than those who did not. These exercises also ease anxiety by encouraging the individual to remain in the present moment.

Balance is developed in slow controlled movement in many yoga poses.