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Slide show
Slide show: Balance exercises
By Mayo Clinic staff
Biceps curls for balance
You can do many balance exercises with weights. Try biceps curls with a dumbbell:
- Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your weight equally distributed on both legs. Hold the dumbbell in your left hand with your palm facing upward (A). Lift your right leg off the floor and bend it back at the knee (B).
- Hold the position as long as you can maintain good form, up to 30 seconds.
- Return to the starting position and repeat on the other side. As your balance improves, increase the number of repetitions.
- For added challenge, balance on the leg opposite the weight (C) or while standing on a pillow or other unstable surface (D).
References
- Chapter 4: Sample exercises — Strength/balance exercises. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/chapter04b.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
- Chapter 4: Sample exercises — Making it work. National Institute on Aging. http://www.nia.nih.gov/HealthInformation/Publications/ExerciseGuide/chapter04.htm. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
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