01/29/2026
We do that.
Yoga at the Bedford Area Family YMCA.
M, W, F 10:15-11:15 am.
T, Th 10:30-11:30 am.
W 6:30 pm.
Chair Yoga:
W 11:30-12:15 pm.
F 9:15-10:00 am.
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There’s a surprisingly simple test doctors are using as a biomarker for overall health: standing on one leg.
A large study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that middle-aged and older adults who couldn’t balance on one leg for 10 seconds had an 84% higher risk of dying from any cause over the next decade compared to those who could.
It sounds almost too simple—most of us mastered this skill by age nine—but balancing on one leg requires a complex coordination system: your vision, inner ear (vestibular system), and a network of nerves constantly informing your brain where your body is in space.
After age 30, our bodies undergo a silent process called sarcopenia, losing up to 8% of muscle mass per decade. Without intervention, by the time we reach 80, we may have lost half our strength.
Balance isn’t just about muscles—it’s about the brain. Struggling to maintain a one-legged stance can reveal underlying neurological issues or generalized physical weakness, both of which increase the risk of falls and serious injuries later in life.
The good news? Balance is highly trainable. Practicing one-legged balance while brushing your teeth or washing dishes forces your brain to recalibrate and strengthens stabilizing muscles in the hips.
You don’t need to be a flamingo to try it—but a few minutes a day could be one of the best investments for your health as you age.
Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2022). This post is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice or diagnosis.
