Balance on one leg

When was the last time you tried to stand on one leg? Balance is something we tend to take for granted, but studies show that the ability to balance has been linked to a decreased risk of stroke as well as being a good marker of the risk of falling.

“In order to have good balance, we need hip mobility,” explains Davies. “This can be tested in your ability to squat or by doing the sit-to-stand test. It requires strength in the muscles of the lower body and we use it every day, simply getting up out of a chair or getting off the loo.”

Balance is an essential part of fitness, health and wellbeing and there are incredibly simple ways you can test your balance from home. Simply place a workout mat in the centre of the floor and stand on one leg with your arms crossed in front of you and close your eyes. Try to remain in this position for as long as possible without dropping your foot or uncrossing your arms. If you can last more than 30 seconds, it indicates you have good balance.

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