According to a top cardiologist, a simple 10-second pose might be the most important exercise you do all day. The one-legged stand, a basic test of balance, is emerging from scientific research as a powerful predictor of your health span and longevity.
This is not just a passing trend; it’s based on a robust 2022 study that followed 1,700 adults aged 50-75 for ten years. The research found a direct and dramatic correlation between the ability to perform this simple balance test and long-term survival rates.
The study’s headline finding was striking: individuals who could successfully complete the 10-second unipedal stance had a more than 90% chance of being alive and disability-free seven years later. This single, functional test offered a surprisingly clear window into a person’s underlying health resilience.
The cardiologist explains that this is because good balance is not an isolated skill. It’s a reflection of a well-functioning system that includes neurological health, vision, proprioception, and muscular coordination. An inability to balance could therefore signal that one of these core systems is compromised.
The expert encourages everyone to incorporate this “exercise” into their daily routine. If you struggle, it’s a sign to pursue activities that build stability from the inside out, such as yoga and Tai Chi. These practices can help you master the pose and, according to the research, improve your odds of a longer, healthier life.
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