HEALTH

Let's face it—if you can barely walk down the street without tripping over your own feet, odds are you're not exactly a gazelle when it comes to your HIIT treadmill workout. And unfortunately for all the clumsy girls, balance is an extremely important part of staying safe in the gym. Thankfully, moving from Bella Swan to Black Swan is as easy as 1-2 (seriously, there's not even a 3). Master these two tricks and you'll be a balanced babe in no time.

1. Exercise ball plank
Place your forearms on the ground directly below your shoulders, clasping your hands together for support. Step your left foot back and slowly put your foot on a partially deflated exercise ball. (You don't want it to be too tall, or the move will be extremely difficult.) Repeat with your right foot so that both feet are on the ball. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, focusing on your core, and hold for thirty seconds. Repeat daily, gradually increasing the inflation/height of the ball.

2. Exercise ball opposite-leg lift
Lie on top of your (again, partially deflated) exercise ball with both hands and feet on the ground. Steady your feet and prepare your core muscles as you extend your right arm forward. Keep steady as you reach your left leg back so that both right arm and left leg are off the floor. Hold the position for five seconds and slowly release, then switch arms and legs. Do a total of 20 reps daily, increasing the inflation of the ball gradually.

 How do you work to improve your balance? Let us know below!  

by Kendyl Walker and Kimberly Uslin | 12/12/2018