Balance Training 101 for New Moms

Posted by Valerie Reiss

Balance. What is it and how do I get some?

If you're anything like me, finding balance might be one of the hardest tasks you face. One minute, I’m racing around, trying to find matching shoes for Clara, my two year old, while Henry, who’s four, needs help with his homeschool book. All the while, the Voila meal is starting to stick to the skillet. And yes, it’s a Voila meal and not something homemade. I havent quite mastered the whole cooking from scratch thing.

What does "having balance" even mean? I think you'll know it when you see it. Life will be easier, more streamlined. For me, I feel most balanced when I take the time to plan—plan meals, our daily schedule, our weekend projects. Things seem to fall into place that way. Finding balance IS hard. But like any hard thing, a task that is worth the effort. And, similar to having a balanced life, it's important to also have PHYSICAL BALANCE. That's where I can help!!

BALANCE TRAINING 101

WHY SHOULD I USE BALANCE TRAINING?

In training our balance, we are training our muscles AND our minds! Balance is FUNCTIONAL, meaning that your body is constantly using stabilizer muscles in daily tasks without you knowing. To TRAIN for balance is to improve the body’s response mechanisms and increase training functionality in proprioceptively enriched environments. Big words—proprioceptively enriched. But the idea is easy to understand. It basically means an environment that challenges the internal balance and stabilization mechanisms of the body.

HOW DO I INCORPORATE BALANCE TRAINING?

Balance training can occur at various levels of fitness, whether you’re focusing on stabilization, on strength, or on power. We can all use more balance training, especially new moms who have just gone through nine months with a huge weight on their belly. It's just a matter of knowing how to incorporate it.

WHEN/HOW OFTEN SHOULD I USE BALANCE TRAINING?

As often as you strength-train. More specifically, I try to include balance moves after my warm-up and initial stretch. For roughly 5 to 10 minutes, try to solely focus on balance moves, then move on to your weightlifting routine. You can also incorporate them INTO your weight sets. Perhaps as "active rest." You decide what works best.

WHAT TYPES OF BALANCE EXERCISES SHOULD I PERFORM?

I've created a workout tailored to enhance your balance! Perform each of these moves for one minute (for a total of six minutes), then move on a workout of your choice. I've linked to video demonstrations for all of the moves, so you have no excuse to not change into your gym clothes. 

Speedskater, Single Leg Deadlifts, Tree Pose, T-Pushup, Single Leg Squats, Warrior Pose

It’s easy to get focused on cardio and strength training and to forget about the "easier" modes of exercise: balance training, stretching, and yoga. But in order to have a well-rounded fitness program, these other areas MUST be incorporated.

It’s called BALANCE! (Get it?)

QUESTION: As a mom, how do you create more balance and peace in your life? Any tips?

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I’d love to hear from anyone who is following along with the SOS workouts and how they’re working for you! Please visit my healthy living blog, Lindsay’s List, for more fitness and health tips!

For more Mom365 Summer Of Strong workouts:

Workout with Baby

Legs

Core

Arms

Tabata

Bye, Bye Mom Jeans

Say No To Skinny Fat!

3 back to toddler

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