Any Ideas for Improving Balance?

[still kicking]

I am having a really hard time with my balance on one foot stances i.e. Sagi Ashi Dachi, or crane stance. It seems like part of the problem is weak ankles, so I've been trying to improve on that. One classmate suggested practicing trying to stand in the stance with my eyes closed -- it's amazing how much harder it is! But if I do this for a while, even if I have to lightly touch my fingertips on a counter or table top when I fall over, after that it is much easier to do it with my eyes open. Does anyone have any other hints or ideas about ways to work on improving balance? Thanks!

[Scott_LIFE180]

Funny how you should ask this now I was just searching for ideas for improving balance.

I'm wondering how to improve balance in general.

[Traymond]

I gave my response in your other thread but...

on a side note...

its so funny how tsuru ashi dachi and sagi ashi dachi are extremely similar...why the name difference?

[joesteph]

There is a form I had to learn for a promotion that includes twice standing on one foot while performing other actions. I discovered that my balance improved as I brought the non-supporting leg closer to the supporting leg. I found that by doing this, the weight distribution is centered better.

I've also concentrated on avoiding digging my toes into the floor in an effort to balance. It doesn't balance; it sabotages the stance by compromising the base.

As for practice, just getting into the required position smoothly is part of balance, and holding it stationary for a count of a five at the start, then a bit more until you hit ten, is a good start before you perform other actions.

I've had to learn tricks like this because I have one hip a half-inch higher than the other. Fortunately for me, my shoulders and spine are straight, and I have no limp, meaning the body compensated during the formative years.

Edited March 28, 2009 by joesteph

[Scott_LIFE180]

Okay, thank you all

[still kicking]

its so funny how tsuru ashi dachi and sagi ashi dachi are extremely similar...why the name difference?

I think these are just different words for exactly the same thing. At any rate, at our school we call crane stance sagi ashi dashi.

Thanks for all the good ideas, everyone!

[Traymond]

Ah I see. Its odd whenever I hear Sagi I think of sageo...oh well. BUt thats makes a bit of sense when you put it that way. Ima start calling it that...its sounds unique.

[Kuma]

As a supplementary exercise (as practice is the best way to get better at something), you can try overhead squats. A simple broomstick will work well, and it will not only improve your balance but it's also good for flexibility, strength, and athleticism. Check Google, there's lots of good links.

[Tiger1962]

I am having a really hard time with my balance on one foot stances i.e. Sagi Ashi Dachi, or crane stance. It seems like part of the problem is weak ankles, so I've been trying to improve on that. One classmate suggested practicing trying to stand in the stance with my eyes closed -- it's amazing how much harder it is! But if I do this for a while, even if I have to lightly touch my fingertips on a counter or table top when I fall over, after that it is much easier to do it with my eyes open. Does anyone have any other hints or ideas about ways to work on improving balance? Thanks!

Practicing yoga is one way to improve balance. (trust me, it works) but another idea is to simply practice one legged stances (a.k.a.crane stances). Whether you are watching TV, brushing your teeth or standing at the kitchen sink, just bend your knees slightly and tuck one leg behind the other. Practice it often and soon enough your balance will improve. It worked for me.

[Minesweeper]

Practicing yoga is one way to improve balance. (trust me, it works) but another idea is to simply practice one legged stances (a.k.a.crane stances). Whether you are watching TV, brushing your teeth or standing at the kitchen sink, just bend your knees slightly and tuck one leg behind the other. Practice it often and soon enough your balance will improve. It worked for me.

The crane pose looks really difficult. I absolutely suck at balance, so I decided to start with the tree position. I started a couple of weeks ago and started doing it after every workout (so 5-6 days a week). When I started, I could barely hold it for 15 seconds, but now I'm able to stand without teetering for 30 seconds. Improving slowly but surely.