Balance training is actually a great way to prevent injuries. Static balance exercises are a type of muscular endurance activity. What happens is that in order to hold a position (say on one leg for example), all of the muscles in your foot, knee, and hip are activating. They must activate in order to hold you steady. These muscles are usually the stabilizers that do the work.

Anytime you train stabilizing muscles to work you also strengthen connective tissues and joints, and an increase in joint stability and strength equals decreased risk of injury. The body is always looking to find a state of equilibrium. As you age, this process that is controlled by the nervous system begins to slow down. This slowing down process is inevitable, but with training you can prolong the process and live life to the fullest whatever your age.

Practicing balance exercises challenges the nervous system and helps keep the mind-body connection sharp. It also helps to keep the mind and body sharp in the case that balance has to be regained. It has happened to us all at some point — tripping over a parking block or missing that last step. Without any balance practice your response to regaining balance is slow. In the instance that you may be falling, it is crucial to be able to regain balance quickly.

In a martial arts or self-defense setting, you may find that you get pushed or shoved by someone who may be a threat or someone your may be training with. It's important that you are able to regain your balance in these situations. Similarly, if you send a kick that was not as accurate as you thought it was going to be, you may find that you need to find your center and realign your body before continuing on to the next movement.