My husband told me about the eyes closed single leg test. I learned that it’s a test used by physical therapist to test balance. It reveals core stability, ankle mobility, proprioception, balance and coordination, and vestibular system or the inner ear. I’ve written about my struggles with vertigo so I knew I had to try it.
The Eyes Closed Single Leg Test
Find a place where you can easily hold on to something stable in case you lose your balance. Close your eyes. Stand on one leg. Try to hold for 10 seconds or more. Do both sides.
Long story short, it’s a lot harder than it looks. I was able to hold for 10 seconds, but as I read more about the test, I wanted to increase my time to 30 seconds. I started doing the balance every morning. I also do it while I’m brushing my teeth. Sonic care allots 30 seconds per quadrant, so that means I get to repeat the exercise twice on both legs.
So far, the 30 seconds now feel more doable and less unstable. But it’s still a challenge.
I know there’s plenty of gimmicky challenges online. But there are legit good ones and this is one of them! Thanks internet.
A Note: Not Tree Pose
I have done tree pose with the eyes closed, but I realized that just sticking one leg out is harder, since you don’t have the pressing motion of the foot to tight to keep you stable. But I believe that all the one-legged yoga poses helped me out.
