I have really poor balance and would like to know how I can improve it. Not just for martial arts, but in general. I've had several people tell me over the years that they are affraid that I am going to fall over or that I appear inebriated. What can I do???
single leg toe touches with your opposite hand. I work this drill tons and work many of my clients through it. http://www.livestrong.com/video/4046-do-single-leg-exercises/ great drill that. love it. Try it with also bringing your non supporting leg forward to flag and dorsiflex the foot - eg. lengthen the hamstring on your free leg by bringing your toes back towards your knee. Try it with your eyes closed (bloody near impossible) Try both before and after your workouts. Notice that you will be one side dominant. If you kick primarily with your right leg... your left leg as supporting leg will be solid. But your right leg will suck and fatigue much faster.
another awesome drill. pays to know that balance is a skill that can be improved and translate to your chosen sport/skill that you play. http://www.livestrong.com/video/4050-do-single-leg-lateral-medicine/
I'm rather dyspraxic and could only manage 10 on each leg, with a lot of wobbling and having to regain my balance inbetween. If I do this every day, will I see a benefit after a while?
We use this one in yoga called the tree pose. Look straight up and it makes the pose even more challenging. http://www.google.com.au/search?hl=en&q=yoga+tree+pose&aq=f&aqi=g2g-m5&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=
One reason for poor balance can be a lack of glute firing. It is one of my problems and was pointed out to me by a physio. There are a number of exercises that can be used to get your glutes working properly, including single and double leg bridging, bird dogs and kneeling squats. These exercises will also help with poor posture and strength/power work http://stronglifts.com/how-to-optimize-posterior-chain-power-glute-activation/
Overhead squats are the bee's knees for overall body balance in my opinion. Any kind of unilateral work where you're exercising on one arm or one leg will also develop your balance better. Static-wise, raising your legs in chamber and holding for time helps, as does some standing meditation poses.
