Types of Balance
There are two primary types of balance — static and dynamic. When it comes to balance training, an easy way to understand the different kinds of balance is to examine any of the various forms of dancing.
In some styles of dance (ballet, for example), the dancer is required to hold one leg straight out and away from the body while standing on the toes of the opposite foot. Such a position is often required to be held — with little to no shaking, adjustment, or wavering — for a period of time. This is static balance.
ESSENTIAL
Most people do not realize it, but the act of walking is nothing more than a series of controlled falls. You fall forward and put one foot out in front of you. That foot catches your body, and as you push yourself past that foot you begin to fall again. This requires you to stick out the other foot in order to keep from falling on your face.
You may also see the same dancer execute a high kick with one leg while standing on the other, a movement in which either leg moves up and back down in a strong and rapid manner that can easily throw the dancer off balance, causing him or her to fall. This is dynamic balance. These actions employ two different types of balance, and in order to acquire either, the dancer had to be properly trained.
Balance itself is an acquired skill, and such training is necessary in order to develop well-rounded balance skills. However, for most sports and activities (unless they require static balanced positions), dynamic balance is usually considered more functional.
