Training Off-Balance On Purpose

At my personal training studio, I often hear clients say they’re always striving for a sense of balance. I don't know about you, but as we wind down the end of summer I tend to feel like there's still so much to fit in- fun to be had, projects to finish before we move into the wind-up of the busier fall season. I often feel overwhelmed with ALL THE THINGS I'm trying to get done, that I start dreaming and scheming of a way to find that perfect work-life balance. What am I doing wrong? Who do I need to hire? What app or new book do I need to ready to find the answers?

Ironically, this is an area that has always felt a little wobbly in my own life. With so many wildly different interests and passions, I often feel like I’m walking a tightrope while juggling flaming torches— running a Personal Training Studio, creating ceramic art, managing an autoimmune condition with nutrition, exercise and lots of research, gardening, raising chickens, connecting with family and friends, getting outside to play, practicing yoga… and the list goes on.

In short: my plate is full, and it’s spinning. I’m guessing you can relate. Fill in your own blanks: raising kids, gardening, working out, writing, volunteering, training for a marathon—whatever your mix is, it all demands time, energy, and focus. That precious commodity we never seem to have enough of. If you’re like me, you’re probably always searching for that mythical perfect work-life balance.

But here’s the truth: perfect balance doesn’t exist.

A Different Take on Balance

While you're doing the next set of dishes, check out this entertaining 20 minute TED Talk by Dan Thurmon. Using a compelling visual example, Thurmon showcases how work-life balance is unrealistic.  He shows that by embracing and choosing to be "off-balance on purpose", people have the opportunity to let go of guilt, and spend time learning, growing, serving, and improving one’s self in a meaningful way. In other words, if we lean into the imbalance intentionally, and ride the waves life will surprise us in amazing ways.

I think this approach relates beautifully to literal balance—the kind we train in the gym. I always say to my clients during a balance exercise, that it's not meant to look perfect. If it did, I'd make the exercise harder for them. Balance exercises are about feeling the wobble and activating those small muscles that regain the stability.

Why you should add balance exercises to your workout routine:

Most of us think balance training is just for older adults trying to prevent falls. But here’s the thing: balance exercises benefit everyone, at every age, and in every stage of life. Stability exercises are one of the most effective training tools we use here in my personal training-athletes, busy parents, and active adults alike. Here's why:

• Improved Core Strength: Nearly every balance move lights up your core muscles. Studies show that balance training activates more muscle fibers in your abdominals and back compared to traditional strength exercises, which means stronger posture and less risk of back pain.

  
  

• Joint Stability & Injury Prevention: Research shows that single-leg balance training can reduce ankle sprains by up to 38% in athletes. Those small stabilizer muscles in your knees, hips, and ankles are your built-in insurance policy against injury.

  
  

• Better Athletic Performance: Whether you ski, mountain bike, paddleboard, or just love yoga, stability equals power. One study found that athletes who included balance training improved agility and reaction time significantly compared to those who didn’t. Translation: faster, stronger, smoother.

  
  

• Sharper Mind-Body Connection: Balance exercises challenge your brain as much as your body. A 2021 study linked balance training to better memory and cognitive function—because your nervous system has to fire on all cylinders to keep you steady.

  
  

• Longevity & Everyday Function: Falls are the second leading cause of accidental injury worldwide, but regular balance training can cut that risk by nearly 40%. Whether you’re carrying groceries, wrangling kids, or heading into your golden years, balance keeps you moving with confidence.

  
  

So, yes—training your balance helps you literally stay on your feet in life.

Try These Training Off-Balance exercises:

Here are a few of my go-to moves:

• Airplane Hold

• Co-Contractions with Thoracic Rotation

• Birddog Row

• Crescent Lunge to Single Leg Balance

• Side Plank Reach Through

• Single-Leg Medicine Ball Twist

• Warrior 3 Crunch

The takeaway: chasing perfect balance in life may be unrealistic—but practicing physical balance is both achievable and game-changing. The stronger, more stable, and more resilient your body becomes, the better equipped you are to roll with life’s chaos.

So stay a little “off-balance on purpose”—but train your balance on purpose, too. If you’re local to Coeur d’Alene, Post Falls, or the North Idaho area, I’d love to help you build strength and stability with personalized balance training.