The Importance of Balance

Balance is very important as we progress through the OPT model. Improving balance limits your risk of lower extremity injuries. Everything you do involves balance; standing, walking and sitting down. A Balance Training Program will ensure optimal neuromuscular efficiencies of the entire human movement system and have a long-term change in your life. There are three levels of training within the National Academy of Sports Medicine OPT model; stabilization, strength, and power. Stabilization exercises involve little joint motion and are designed to improve reflexive joint stabilization contractions to increase joint stability. Single-leg balance is my favorite exercise. This exercise can be progressed as you improve from the floor, balance beam, half foam roll, foam pad and balance disc. Multi-planer step up to balance is a great strength balancing exercise because it mimics basic everyday movement. Multi-planar single-let box hop-up with stabilization exercise will develop the proper deacceleration ability, increase eccentric strength, and reactive joint stabilization.