How to Pick Up Your Foot While Standing Up

Picking up your foot to stand on one leg will test your balance, posture and core stability. Many types of athletes, such as gymnasts, baseball pitchers and ice skaters, require superior balance on one leg. Your nervous system and memory work together to activate or immobilize particular muscles when doing specific poses. For example, picking up your foot while standing up requires shifting your body weight and center of gravity. You can perform exercises to hone your ability to stand on one leg.

Instructions

  1. Balancing Exercise

    • 1

      Stand erect with your back and hips in neutral position.

    • 2

      Fix your gaze on a stationary object in front of you.

    • 3

      Contract your abdominal muscles and shift your weight on to your left leg.

    • 4

      Bend your right knee to lift your right foot up and slightly forward an inch or two off the floor.

    • 5

      Hold the position for 10 to 20 seconds and then switch legs.

    • 6

      Perform four to five reps.

    • 7

      To boost the challenge, execute the exercise with your eyes closed.