As a personal trainer in Maynooth we use science based approaches to improve an individual’s health and fitness.
A recent study from the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that a simple balance test should be included in ALL health screenings.
Participants in our ‘Live Well’ programmes will know the importance of balance and co-ordination.
A total of 1702 people between the ages of 51 and 75 were followed for 12 years. The test was simple. Stand on one leg for 10 seconds without any support, arms by your side, gaze ahead and with the front foot crossed behind.
Simple right?
The results were pretty staggering. 1 in 5 failed the test. The inability to hold the 10 seconds was associated with an 84% heightened risk of death from any cause.
It’s exciting right? Simple, easy to administer and something you can do yourself. As a personal trainer anything balance related can be trained.
Now the only caveat I would say is that the study has some limitations. Just because you can’t do the test doesn’t mean that it can’t be learnt.
The study itself has another flaw in that it was all white, Brazilian males.
What’s more any study done over a longer period of time tends to support healthier outcomes like this. Why? Well think of the type of person who would commit to this. They may also be eating healthier, active, non-smokers and light drinkers. All the video nasties that tend to increase our mortality risk.
They may be a little more health conscious than Jimmy smoker who thinks this would be a waste of time and would prefer a shed load pints most weekends and is relatively inactive.
In balance, it is worth adding some balance training to your daily routine. The outcome? Well it can only be positive for such a small time investment.
Sphere Fitness are a personal training team in Maynooth. For more information on our services, in particular our Live Well Programme specialising in servicing the Over 50 market click here
