Speaking of balance, so many of us have to juggle a multitude of tasks in a given day.  We have families, careers, second jobs (and third, sometimes), children, hobbies, and millions of other things that come up on a daily basis that keep us from having enough time to do the things we love to do.  Unfortunately, that’s just the way it is.  But, if you want to get certain things done, like getting your kids to practice on time, making deadlines at work, and eating the right way on a regular basis, you must not make any excuses, allocate your time wisely, and flat out get it done.  Balance.  Work and play, yin and yang, peanut butter and jelly, we need it to make our lives right. 

Balance training to me is not doing one legged squats on a swiss ball.  I feel this is almost worthless unless you are going into the circus.  But it is more so the training that brings you all around quality, animal-like athleticism.  I’ve met some seriously strong dudes who could barely scratch their own shoulder, let alone do an overhead squat.  These people are lacking flexibility.  We can all picture the marathon runner who can’t deadlift his own suitcase.  Sad, really, but this person is a specialist in his field, and probably desires no balance, only faster marathon times.  How about the powerlifter who can’t breathe after climbing two flights of stairs?  The analogies are endless. But, if you are not an elite level specialist, you better find balance.  It will enhance your life.

As far as training goes, I balance upper body with lower body, pushing and pulling, anterior and posterior chains.  I work in all planes, sagittal, frontal, and traverse.  If you are doing functional movements, this is impossible to avoid.  This is really as simple as taking various implements like barbells, dumbbells, kettlebells, sandbags, even rocks and logs and picking them up off the ground and putting them over your head.  It really is very simple, but do not confuse that with easy.  This is certainly not the only way to achieve balance, but it is one that works very well.