Better Balence?

Hi, I have made good progress in my Karate but one thing that hasn't improved much since I started is my balance, has anyone got any idea how I can improve it?

Thanks, Sammy.

Test Your Balance:

Stand barefoot on a hard flat surface with one foot in front of the other, heel to toe, hands crossed on your chest. (Make sure you're near something you can grab on to, in case you feel tippy.) Close your eyes and start counting slowly. When and if you lose your balance, write down the number you reached. Repeat three times and take an average.

Rate Yourself
If you made it to 48 without teetering, you're in a healthy balance zone. Anything less means that you could benefit from some balance training.

4 Balance Acts
1. Stand on one leg while talking on the phone. Start with your eyes open, then see how long you can last with them closed.

2. Stand on an unstable surface -- a rolled-up exercise mat or towel, or a balance board -- and do squats or arm curls while holding 3-pound dumbbells.

3. Strength-train your legs twice a week; stronger muscles will keep you from falling.

4. After you have been doing these exercises for six months, retest your balance to see how much improvement you've made.

Got to 32 before I went, guess I better get started with them exercises and things