Think of balance as learning to ride a bike. The first time you try, it feels wobbly and strange, and you might fall a few times (or on every attempt). But the more you practice, the better you get at it. But why exactly?

It all comes down to Neuroplasticity (brain plasticity), the brain's ability to adapt and reshape itself. Consistent balance training encourages the brain to learn, change and adapt. The brain adapts in the following ways:

Increased Brain Activation

Balancing requires the engagement of multiple brain regions simultaneously. As you work to maintain balance, your brain activates areas responsible for movement, coordination, and proprioception (the sense of knowing where your body is). This increased activity strengthens these brain areas.

Processing Information

Balance exercises demand concentration and focus. Your brain needs to process incoming information (from your eyes, ears and body) rapidly and make split-second decisions about muscle actions. With practice, your brain becomes a pro at putting all this info together to help you stay steady.

Better Connections

Your brain has many tiny nerve cells which act like highways, carrying information from one part of the brain to another. The more you practice balance, the more these highways get learnt and strengthened, making it easier for messages to travel more quickly and efficiently.

Brain “Maps”

Your brain has a special "map" that knows where every part of your body is - termed proprioception. By practicing balance, this map gets clearer and more detailed, helping your brain to know what your body is doing, even with your eyes closed (or in the dark).

Pruning

Just like a trees branches are pruned to allow for new growth, the brain gets rid of weak or unused connections through "synaptic pruning". This trimming of unused brain connections allows the brain to focus and redirect resources to more frequently used connections. This emphasises the importance of the concept of "use it or lose it" and the need for continuous practice to maintain the connections you require.

In short, practice gives your body and brain more chances to learn and get better at the art of balancing.
Just like practicing the guitar can make you a better musician, practicing balance makes you more steady on your feet!

Did you know:

Old brains can learn new tricks! Previously scientists believed neuroplasticity ability ended early in childhood. Newer research shows that our brain's ability to change continues even as we age (just at a slower rate than the sponge-like brain of a child).
If one area of the brain is damaged it is able to "rewire" itself. Surrounding brain areas can take over some of the functions that were lost due to damage.
A rich and stimulating environment with new and diverse experiences can enhance the process of neuroplasticity.

How practice improves balance