Balance is an essential component of being a well-rounded athlete.
As you get older, balance also protects you from injurious falls.

Test your balance with the single leg balance and touch test. Test each leg separately. Stand on your right leg, knee slightly bent (a), and bend down to touch your toes with your left hand, keeping your back flat and raising your left leg behind you (b).

Return to the starting position without putting your left foot down. Repeat as many times as possible in 60 seconds. If you touch more than 21 times in a minute (without dropping the foot), you rank on the excellent side.

You are considered “good” with a score of 10 to 20. Scoring fewer than 10 puts you “below average.” To improve balance, try standing on one leg during daily activities, such as talking on the phone, brushing your teeth or washing the dishes.

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