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How long can you stand on one leg?

(78 Posts)
Glorianny Mon 27-Jun-22 19:07:31

There's some research out now that says the ability to stand on one leg can predict how long you live.
Researchers examined 1,702 people aged 51 to 75 years old between 2008 and 2020 on their ability to perform a 10-second one-legged stance. Participants were asked to stand on one leg with the free leg rested on the back of the standing leg and arms at their sides. They were allowed three chances to complete the balance task.
www.prevention.com/fitness/a40395718/10-second-balance-test-may-indicate-how-long-you-live/
So can you do it? I can't manage 10, but I'm over 75.

Pippa22 Tue 28-Jun-22 13:37:50

20 on each foot is my physio homework for this week as I have just had two new knees.

Fernhillnana Tue 28-Jun-22 13:40:13

Done yoga for over 50 years, so for as long as you like! Sorry, show off.

LauraNorderr Tue 28-Jun-22 13:52:43

As long as I want to with yes open…
?I’m gonna live for ever, I’m gonna learn how to fly?
And I did when I closed my eyes, ouch.

LauraNorderr Tue 28-Jun-22 13:53:02

Eyes open

Maggiemaybe Tue 28-Jun-22 14:01:27

Cs783

I started following fitness videos during lockdown and discovered that Australian physical activity guidelines for people 65+ cover balance as well as stamina, strength, suppleness. Thanks, Schellea (my fabulous 50s guide) sunshine

Good to meet another Fabulous 50s fan, Cs783. I discovered Schellea in lockdown as well and am still doing the workouts 2 years later. smile

kevincharley Tue 28-Jun-22 14:32:10

I should probably have died years ago!

Treetops05 Tue 28-Jun-22 15:00:39

About 3 seconds on a good day!

Bijou Tue 28-Jun-22 15:30:06

Cannot stand on two legs let alone one.

Petalpop Tue 28-Jun-22 15:44:34

I did 50 on each leg and only stopped because the leg I was standing on starting aching and I was fed up with it. I am 70 but do a lot of power walking up and down dale and consider myself to be fit.

HannahLoisLuke Tue 28-Jun-22 16:12:56

I can manage 20-30 on right leg but only about 10 on left leg. I think it depends whether you’re right or left handed. We all have a stronger side.

Elusivebutterfly Tue 28-Jun-22 16:25:33

My recent physio class expected us to stand on one leg for 2 minutes. I definitely could not last that long.

nipsmum Tue 28-Jun-22 16:31:33

I managed about 2 seconds but I am 81.

Cambia Tue 28-Jun-22 16:36:10

Quite a while. Do this every morning when brushing teeth. One minute each leg. Have done yoga for years and do tree pose. Soon as I close my eyes though I fall over!

DillytheGardener Tue 28-Jun-22 16:39:29

I have a slipped disk so no time at all. Oh dear!

lizzypopbottle Tue 28-Jun-22 16:49:31

I've practised Shotokan karate for nearly 27 years. If you can't stand on one leg, you can't kick... This is me performing mae geri (front snap kick) but we also practise side kicks, roundhouse kicks, back kick and spinning back kicks. Balance is really important throughout life. Older people are renowned for falling over. Take up karate! You won't regret it...

InnocentBystander Tue 28-Jun-22 17:03:42

When you think you can do it, try it with your eyes closed! I read some years ago that if you can stand on your weaker leg (left in my case as I'm right handed) with your eyes closed for thirty seconds your neurologically still in your prime.
No evidence to show it's not journalistic BS though.

Jess20 Tue 28-Jun-22 17:35:22

With or without shoes? With shoes I can stand on one leg easily and for ages but otherwise I have such awful bunions that my toes are very out of alignment and my balance is awful.

MaggsMcG Tue 28-Jun-22 18:17:19

You also have to tuck your lifted leg behind the supporting one which actually shifts your centre of gravity. I can easily do that for about 30 seconds. On the other hand if I just leave my kitten leg by the side I can do it for quite a long time.

Grandmama Tue 28-Jun-22 19:23:33

Yes! But it's boring. But can manage only a few seconds with eyes closed.

I also tried one of the other tests - walking in a straight line. There are lots of 'tram lines' on the pavements near me from when the pavements were dug up twice for fibre broadband so I used those.

(aged 74)

Gwenisgreat1 Tue 28-Jun-22 20:35:13

I don't have very long to live, then!!

effalump Tue 28-Jun-22 21:37:02

Anywhere between 8 and 12 2seconds depending on whether I flap my arms about like a tightrope walker or not.

cyberjack Wed 29-Jun-22 15:35:28

I minute while I defrost frozen blueberries in the microwave, then change legs and do another minute aged 74

RedRidingHood Wed 29-Jun-22 17:36:41

This research has been around a while and it's something you can improve with practice.
I could barely do it at all when I first started Pilates about 5 years ago but can comfortably do 30 seconds on each now.

Cs783 Wed 29-Jun-22 18:30:37

Hi Maggiemaybe (waving!) not to derail this thread but it’s great to have found fitness videos that work for us isn’t it? Nice to read here of others’ preferred strategies too.

silverlining48 Wed 29-Jun-22 19:24:10

About 2 seconds, sad