Top YOU Tip #10: Find Your Balance

It's inevitable -- all of us will take an occasional spill. But in many cases, it's not the initial slip that's the problem; it's the inability to right yourself before you land face down on concrete.

If you can't prevent the slip, then work to prevent the fall. Train your body to adapt to unstable circumstances:

Choose dumbbells over weight machines -- dumbbells force you to balance the weights as well as lift them. Also, step-type moves, such as lunges or step-ups, require balance -- just don't try anything too fancy.

Try doing standing exercises on one leg at a time. Really. That will help you work your proprioception -- your awareness of yourself in space -- and that will help you develop better balance.

If you like, add equipment -- like stability balls -- to your workout routine. Performing crunches on an unstable surface forces your body to balance. You can also buy balance boards (like mini surfboards) on which to stand and do your exercises.

Get more tips for perfecting your balancing act.