How can I improve my balance?

Answered by April Martucci, RYT, LMT, head of Mind/Body programming for Reebok Sports Club/NY.

I have done yoga for about 30 years now, I am in my 60's, and I am really getting discouraged because I still have problems doing balance poses. I am very flexible and do things younger students cannot. I have very flat feet, and some teachers say that might be the reason. Do you know of anything I can try that might help? -Carole
 
Balance has a variety of components. Consider these three:
 
Core: Much of your balance should come from the core. You need to focus on the middle of the body--the abdominals and back, inner and outer thighs and gluteals--what they call the "powerhouse" in pilates.
 
Focus: Use your breath and your focal point (dristi) to help stay grounded.  Keep your eyes fixed softly, drop the mind into the core, and watch the breath.
 
Senses: There are many sensory contributors to balance: vision, cilia in the inner ear, and proprioceptors on the bottom of the feet. These decline with age, but you are helping to maintain these elements through the various balancing exercises you do.

So the fact that your balance isn't getting worse with age is a result of your hard work. Don't be discouraged, but keep working on balance poses. Many people prefer to avoid the poses that are most difficult for them. But the more you do, the more you improve.

April Martucci, RYT, LMT, has been called the ‘most in demand yoga instructor’ by New York Magazine. Martucci teaches at Exhale (New York) and Reebok Sports Club/NY.

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