Why standing on one leg during daily tasks can improve your fitness
Siddhartha Jana
Physical therapist Dr. Tessa Shifflett recommends standing on one leg while brushing your teeth to add fun and health benefits to your morning routine.
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Single-leg balance is crucial for recovery from injuries and overall fitness, requiring strength in the ankle, knee, hip, and core, as well as endurance and proprioceptive coordination.
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Incorporating single-leg balance into daily activities, like brushing teeth, is an easy way to work on balance without extra effort.
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Experts agree that being able to stand on one leg is a health indicator, with specific time benchmarks suggested for different age groups to assess balance.
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Standing on one leg enhances cognitive abilities and multitasking skills, integrating physical balance practice into routine activities.
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The exercise targets neuromuscular coordination, which is vital for recovery and daily function, especially after back or lower extremity injuries.
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An inability to balance on one leg for at least 20 seconds is associated with increased risks of small blood vessel damage in the brain and reduced cognitive abilities.