This week seems like a good time to take a second look at the Striving for Balance workout. I sometimes feel like I rush through my life on a tightrope with plates on my head and balls in the air. Excuse my mixed metaphor, but if you think about it (or picture it), it becomes quite clear.
Find balance in your body with this workout. #fitness #fitfluential
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This week, in particular, has been a challenge. From my birthday dinner on Monday, which topped off a full day at work, to helping Alan prepare for the 17th Annual Turkey Trot, I’m also writing this blog, and trying to keep up with all the commitments and needs that go along with blogging. I’m also dealing with my knee injury, which means I can’t run (or even walk) to burn off some energy and frustration. I care for my pets. And of course, I have a husband to think about, meals to cook, a home to clean. Then to top it all off, I suffered a two-day migraine this week, which really knocked me for a loop.
Basically just like everyone else. Except maybe not the migraine part.
While some may say balance is overrated, I feel that if I could just balance my priorities a little better I wouldn’t be in danger of falling off that tightrope or dropping those dishes.
But then again, I’m happy. My husband is happy. And my dogs are definitely happy. So I guess I’m doing something right. Maybe this balance thing is overrated. Oh, I just said that, didn’t I?
While balance in your life may be important (or not), balance in your body is vital. Imbalance between muscles can lead to decreased performance and injury. General lack of balance can cause falls, which can also lead to injury.
The Striving for Balance Workout
The Striving for Balance workout addresses both your physical balance and your muscular balance. Several exercises are done standing on one foot while moving through a range of motion. Others are done unilaterally, one side at a time, which helps to equalize and balance strength. It is a total body workout, and strengthens all of your major muscles groups, thus creating balance.
One Arm Chest Press
Keep your core stable as you perform the movement. Do all the repetitions on one side then repeat on the other.
One Legged Bent Over Row
Stabilize your core and keep your spine neutral. Make sure to alternate legs on each set.
Reverse Lunge with Balance
Pause and hold your balance for a moment at the top of the movement. This is a reverse lunge, so you are stepping back into the lunge, then bringing the back leg forward and raising your knee. Do all the repetitions on one side, then repeat on the other.
Plank on Medicine Ball
Place both hands on a medicine ball and move into a high plank position. Hold for as long as you can.
One Legged Bicep Curls
You can hold your knee up or just lift your foot a few inches above the ground. Stand tall and pull your shoulder blades together. Remember to change legs on each set.
One Arm Lying Triceps Extension
Keep your core stable as you do the exercise. Do all the repetitions on one side then repeat on the other.
Medicine Ball Swing
Keep your spine long and your chest up as you sit into your squat. Swing the ball up as you straighten your legs.
Side Plank
The side plank can be done with straight arms or on your forearms. Be sure to do both sides! (If you want the entire Plank Variations video, click here)
For more balance in your workout, check out my Unilateral Workout!
Do you work on balance in your fitness program? What’s your favorite balance move?
Disclaimer: Although I am a certified Coach and Personal Trainer, I am not YOUR Coach or Personal Trainer. Always adapt workouts to suit your body and fitness level. Always consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise program.
My weekly linkups! Please stop by and check out all of the great recipes, workouts, and information that all these awesome bloggers share every week!
Sunday Blog Hop with Jenn
Meatless Monday with Tina and Deborah
Meatless Monday with Annmarie
Inspire Me Monday with Janice
Anything Goes with Marilyn
Bonnie, the Pin Junkie
Tip Tuesday with Debbie in Shape
Wild Workout Wednesday with Annmarie, Michelle, Sarah, and Angelena Marie
Wednesday Wisdom with Nanna’s Wisdom
The Blog Booster Party with Kathleen
Friday Fitness with Jill