Enhancing Balance Through Yoga: The Key to Stability and Wellbeing May 17 2026

Let’s talk about balance. I think about balance all the time: balancing responsibilities and commitments with relaxation, balancing time at home with travel, balancing healthy eating with some “treats”. However, the balancing topic at the forefront of my mind is physical balance!

As we age, we find our balance getting challenged. The National Institute on Aging explains that the balance problems which arise as we age are attributed to several factors including loss of muscle mass, medications, inner ear and other hearing problems and some medical conditions. I read one article that also mentioned alcohol, I figure that can cause balancing issues at any age! There is much data that indicates that balance can be improved through activities such as strength training, exercise, and physical therapy.

Why practice balance? While it can be frustrating, practicing balance is important for maintaining mobility and safety. I see firsthand with my own mother who is almost 93 how important it is to work on our balance; we just don’t bounce like we used to! Practicing balance improves coordination and reduces the risk of falls by enhancing the brain's ability to communicate with muscles.

Physically balancing teaches us to tap into the deep muscles that coordinate the separate parts of the body into an integrated whole. Mentally and emotionally, working on our balance helps us develop a keener focus as well as the ability to keep an even keel despite the inevitable wobbles that arise in life.

We may find our balance in a yoga class is great one day and not as good the next, different times of the day also impact our balance. I find that my balance is better in the afternoon, and research indicates that this is because muscles are warmer, stronger, and more flexible than in the morning. Strength and coordination often peak in the afternoon.

As we enhance our balance, we strengthen our core and a stronger core enhances our balance!

I have a confession. After my hip surgery last summer, combined with a foot issue, my balance was completely off. While I worked on strengthening through physical therapy and daily exercise, it has remained a real challenge for me. I am ashamed to admit that I realized recently that I had stopped calling many one-legged balance poses in my classes. While I practiced them on my own, I was embarrassed to show my weakness in front of my students. I gave myself a stern talking to about not practicing what I preach. By taking my ego out of the mix and adding back my sense of humor, I am now happily calling and practicing (read: attempting) many balance poses again in class. Yoga is not a contest, nor are there prizes for the longest balance or anything else in a yoga class. I am happily laughing along with the class as we work on balance!

I have several suggestions for improving balance. Of course, in our yoga practice we are continually working on balance. There are several poses that are especially good for improving balance (see below).

The silly way I like to practice balance at home is multi-tasking while I brush my teeth. Starting with the toothbrush in your non dominant hand and standing one legged on the opposite foot, brush your teeth for a count of 60. Switch hands and feet and repeat on the second side. You improve balance, stimulate the formation of neural pathways as we challenge the brain out of autopilot and have extra clean teeth!

In addition to yoga and strength training, many people find Tai chi a great way to improve balance. While I have not tried it yet, it is on my list!

Using our yoga practice helps us with both our physical and mental balance and enhances our overall wellbeing. This week we will focus our physical practice on some balancing challenges, using our breath and sense of humor to guide us!

Our Practice – Balancing Poses

This week we will incorporate a bit more balance into our practice. The following poses are especially good for improving balance targeting different body parts essential for balance including core, quads, glutes and ankle strength.

• Bird Dog (Balancing Table)

• Mountain Pose

• Tree Pose

• Side Plank Pose

• Dancer Pose

• Extended Hand to Big Toe Pose

These poses challenge our one-legged balance along with weight shifting. While they can be challenging, maintaining a sense of humor and persistence will help build strength and progress will happen.

Meditating On Balance

Balance, peace, and joy are the fruits of a successful life.  It starts with recognizing your talents and finding ways to serve others by using them. ~ Thomas Kinkade 

 “Health is a state of complete harmony of the body, mind and spirit. When one is free from physical disabilities and mental distractions, the gates of the soul open.” ~B.K.S. Iyengar

“Some days you eat salads and go to the gym, some days you eat cupcakes and refuse to put on pants. It’s called balance.”  ~ Unknown

 Nurturing with Food – Mixed Berry Pie-New Recipe!

While not health food, this pie is made with less sugar than most desserts and has a healthy dose of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C in the berries. As with anything, moderation is key! To make this even healthier you could substitute the scant ½ cup of sugar with coconut sugar or monk fruit. Instead of refined cornstarch substitute arrow root. After those potential modifications I personally recommend a smaller piece not further “healthy” substitution.

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See you on the mat!

Namaste,

Julia Anne