Stroke survivors who completed an eight-week course of twice-weekly yoga classes showed an impressive 15% increase on balance scores, according to study author Arlene Schmid, PhD, a rehabilitation research scientist at the Roudebush VA Medical Center and assistant professor at Indiana University. They were also more confident in their ability to perform everyday tasks, too. How does yoga do this? “Yoga improves balance because it’s complex—it includes the mind and the body, and helps to coordinate movements,” says Schmid. Simple strengthening exercises, on the other hand, usually just work on one plane of movement, she says. (Need more convincing to give yoga a try? Check out 10 Yoga Poses For Health Problems.) And better balance isn’t just for stroke victims. “Being balanced helps you stay centered,” says Naomi Judith, a yoga instructor the creator of the DVD Gentle Yoga with Naomi. “Better balance can help you improve your fitness level—you’ll prevent falls and injuries, and improve focus and concentration.” Here are three simple poses Judith recommends to help improve balance: Media Platforms Design TeamTree pose Place palms together over your heart, with fingers pointed up. Stand on one leg and the bring sole of one foot to the opposite ankle. Walk the foot slowly up the leg until you begin to feel unsteady. Hold. Need an extra challenge? Open your arms like a tree and spread your branches. Media Platforms Design TeamAll-four leg lift Begin on all fours, palms under your shoulders and knees under your hips. Extend your right arm forward and left leg back. Hold, then switch sides. Media Platforms Design TeamChair pose Stand with both feet on the floor and arms extended in front. Imagining a chair behind you, sit back as far as you can. For an extra challenge, once you are “seated”, lift your heels off the floor. Practice this with a wall behind you if you feel unsteady. Media Platforms Design TeamNEW fromPrevention!Get long and lean with sexy Flat Belly Yoga!
