This article, inspired by annalouisebouvier.com, discusses the surprising health benefits of brushing your teeth while balancing on one leg. When working with children in clinic, I often ask their parents or carers to give it a try—their reactions, and their child’s, are always priceless! Why not test yourself and see how well you can balance?

Did you know that your ability to balance on one leg for 10 seconds can serve as a significant health marker, especially if you’re over 50? Recent research shows a strong connection between balance and overall mortality risk.

A comprehensive study, carried out by experts from Australia, the UK, the US, Finland, and Brazil, assessed 1,700 participants between the ages of 51 and 75. Shockingly, 21% of the participants were unable to stand on one leg for 10 seconds. Over the following decade, researchers found that those who struggled with this simple balance test had a 50% higher risk of dying from various causes. Why? It turns out that maintaining balance requires the coordination of multiple systems in the body, and deficiencies in this area may signal an increased risk of issues such as strokes, dementia, vascular diseases, and falls. These findings were published in the prestigious British Journal of Sports Medicine (BJSM).

Why Balancing on One Leg is Beneficial

• Simple yet Effective: It’s a straightforward assessment that can be incorporated into any fitness or health routine.
• Quick Improvements: With regular practice, most people notice marked improvements in their balance within just two weeks.
• No Equipment Needed: You don’t need any special gear or space to get started.
• Preventative Power: Alongside daily habits like brushing your teeth, balancing on one leg is an easy, preventative health measure that could make a big difference over time.

To further challenge your coordination, try adding a mental task while standing on one leg. For instance, you can attempt reciting multiplication tables to stimulate your brain and body simultaneously. Alternatively, for an added twist, balance on your right leg while brushing your teeth with your left hand (or vice versa if you’re left-handed).

Improving your balance is a simple, effective way to support your long-term health, and it’s fun to see how quickly you can progress!

Have a go!