The Rocking Step: Age Gracefully and Find Ease in Your Motions

As we age we lose the ability to balance on one foot. Balance slowly deteriorates, often without people even knowing it’s happening. Focusing on balance in motion is important exercise towards aging gracefully.

“The Rocking Step” is a small movement piece that can be a big change in your life. It translate the balance and ease of a standing yoga posture into  a simple act like walking down the street.

If you aren’t familiar with Aston Kinetics posture, please read my post on Posture From the Bottom Up and watch Judith’s video on Posture Symmetry  below. 

So how does understanding your body’s symmetry and posture help you move with ease? Aston Kinetics teaches us that even when still, our body isn’t static. Our bodies are built to be in motion. The Rocking Step  puts Aston Kinetics posture into practice by focusing on dynamic balance during motion.  It breaks walking down into its elemental parts, giving you a chance to focus on each part of your walk and train your muscles. This is a great exercise for anyone who feels off balance.

Stand in front of a mirror and try it out:

1) First, take a small step forward.

2) Now shift your body forward over your foot. The middle of your chest should be aligned with your front foot. Try NOT to lean sideways or rotate your chest.

3) You should feel yourself balancing on the front leg only. Try releasing your weight from the back leg. What happens? If you are in balance, your posture over your front leg should remain the same.

4) Once you find your balance, pause there for a moment. Feel into the balance and adjust. (Note: If you have poor balance, stand next to a chair or a wall for support)

5) Now shift your weight to the back foot.

That is one rocking step! Repeat several times on both sides. It may feel different on the left side versus the right side. That’s okay. Our bodies tend to have asymmetrical strength.

6) Once you feel confident with shifting your weight from the back to the front foot, try taking a full step forward. Because you are balanced on your front foot, the back foot should want to move forward. Allow the leg to swing forward and transfer your weight as the foot lands. Remain aware of your balance. Repeat until the movement feels smooth. Then do it in reverse.

This exercise may feel silly or even too subtle to be doing anything, but trust me it is. And the more you repeat this exercise, the more balance and muscle memory you gain!  Practicing the Rocking Step can improve agility for any exercise where you shift balance or change directions on your feet.

Try to find ease in your motions. Find your best balance.