Periodic home fitness tests can motivate you to stick with a program. Use the following test, as well as those here, to establish a baseline, and then retest every six weeks or so to track your progress. Have someone time you for this test and, if you’re frail, stand by you in case you start to fall. Begin by keeping your eyes open and your arms hanging limp at your sides, then raise one foot and balance on the other. Time how long you can stay in that position. Compare the best of three tries against the chart below. Any exercise that strengthens your legs and core muscles can improve balance, as can activities such as tai chi and yoga

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