The trick to balancing on one leg is feeling grounded and staying focused.
- Stand with feet together, knees just slightly bent. Feel your weight balanced evenly over both feet.
- Transfer your weight to your right foot. Gaze at a fixed point in front of you. Slowly bend your left knee back and take hold of your left foot.
- Press your left thigh back so it’s parallel with the right and bring your heel toward your buttock.
- Inhale as you raise your right arm, palm facing forward. Breathe normally as you hold.
- Exhale as you lower your arm.
- Release your foot and repeat on the other side.
Hints
- Balance your weight evenly over your standing foot so that you’re firmly grounded. With a solid base, you’ll be able to lift upward more easily.
- Keep your gaze steady. Focusing your eyes on a fixed point helps you maintain your balance.
- Reach your arm up strongly, allowing your shoulder to lift a little.
- Gently draw the abdomen in and expand your chest.
Easier Option
Rest one hand on the back of a chair to help you balance.
More Challenging Option
Lift your chin to look up.
Main Benefits
- Strengthens the ankles, knees, and hips
- Stretches the quads
- Helps improve posture
- Improves balance
- Loosens the shoulders
