The Surprising Everyday Task That Can Dramatically Improve Your Balance
By Karen Roberts
Conversations with Karen
Hi everyone, welcome back to Conversations with Karen.
Today I’ve got a simple but powerful K-tip for improving your balance—and it might just surprise you.
There are countless balance exercises out there, from standing on one leg to fancy footwork routines. But very few of them focus on what muscle groups actually support balance, or how to build true confidence in your movement, especially as you age.
So let me introduce you to one of the most useful and long-lasting ways to train balance:
👉 Taking off your shoes.
Yes, really. 
How to Improve Balance with a Simple Daily Movement
This isn’t just about slipping off your shoes and kicking them across the room. This is about turning a functional, everyday action into a balance-strengthening exercise that supports posture, coordination, and real-life movement.
Here’s how to do it properly—because there are a few important rules.
✅ Rule #1: Stand Tall
You must be completely upright in good posture.
No bending at the waist or leaning forward. Keep your head aligned with your spine.
✅ Rule #2: Bring Your Foot to Your Hands
Your foot should come up to your hands—not the other way around.
This trains hip flexibility and core control.
✅ Rule #3: Stay Steady
No bending sideways.
No wobbling or flailing.
Your body stays grounded, steady, and aligned.
If you can take off each shoe in this way, you’re not just getting dressed—you’re building:
- Postural strength
- Hip mobility
- True core stability
- Balance confidence
Why Functional Balance Training Matters As You Age
Let’s face it—balance challenges don’t always happen in the safety of a gym. They show up in the hallway, the garden, the kitchen. That’s why training through real-life movements is so effective.
This method strengthens the exact muscles that keep you steady and upright. It also improves your coordination because your brain and body are working in sequence, just like they do in daily life.
Over time, this becomes perpetual strengthening—just by doing what you already do every day, but with awareness and precision.
What If This Balance Tip Feels Too Difficult?
If this feels tricky at first, don’t worry. Like anything worth doing, it takes practice.
You can start with a modified version or use a stable surface nearby for support. And if you want a little guidance, I’ve got plenty more where that came from.
🌿 Take the R.A.F.T. Assessment and identify your strengths and opportunities for improvement. You will find the link in the upper right corner of this page ↗️
💪 Then, take my class: The Fix. You can find access on the Services page. Inside, you’ll find step-by-step support, functional balance tips, and a full-body approach to aging well through movement.
Remember: Balance is not just about standing still.
It’s about staying strong, steady, and confident in motion.
Try this small but mighty task the next time you take off your shoes—and feel the difference over time.
Until next time,
Karen x
P.S. Here are some resources related to this topic that you may find helpful. Let us know if you have questions!
- The FIX May Be Your Next Step
- Take The RAFT Assessment HERE
- Older Adults and Balance Problems
- Keeping Your Balance As You Age, Dartmouth Health
- The Importance of Maintaining Balance as You Age
- Balance begins to decline as early as age 50
