The Balance Test
Archives: Lifestyle
One of the tests for “true age” – the biological age of your body rather than your chronological age – is balance. You can test your balance simply by standing on one foot with your eyes closed. (Just be sure you have someone there to catch you in case you start to fall.)
If you can stand on one foot for more than 10 seconds, with the other foot raised about a foot off the floor and your eyes closed, you have excellent balance. Most people cannot do this at first. But with practice, I now have to time my one-foot balance with a clock rather than a stopwatch… and that is a sign of being biologically younger than my years.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), “Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for persons aged more than 65 years.” Most falls occur due to a lack of balance, which declines as we age. Fortunately, resistance training and a bit of practice will help you keep your balance decades longer.
[Ed. Note: Jon Benson is a life coach and nutrition counselor who specializes in helping individuals discover a life-altering mind/body connection. His work in the field of post-40 fitness and mental empowerment has helped countless thousands rediscover a youthful body and positive outlook. Discover how you can do the same by clicking here.
For a free source of expert advice about how to add years to your life and life to your years, sign up for ETR's natural health e-newsletter.]
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