Balancing remains a challenge for many Vikings, especially when you’re standing in the middle of the Balance Bar. Luckily, there’s good news: you can train your balance! That won’t just help you out on the course, but also in daily life.
Why is training your balance so important?
Balance is your body’s ability to stay stable, even when you’re moving, jumping, or standing on a narrow surface. It’s a combination of your vision, vestibular system, nervous system, muscle control, and your core. Whether you’re overcoming an obstacle, walking on a wet sidewalk, or jumping on your bike: good balance makes all the difference.
Benefits of balance training:
You’re less likely to fall
You move more efficiently
Your body reacts faster and more precisely
You feel more confident in your body
How does balance actually work?
Balance isn’t just one single skill — it’s the result of a complex interaction between different systems in your body. Only when all these elements work together can you stay stable, even on the most challenging Strong Viking obstacles.
Your core
This includes your abdominal and back muscles, which keep your torso strong and stable. Without a strong core, it’s hard to maintain your balance — especially while moving or standing on a narrow beam.
Your senses
Your eyes and the balance organs in your inner ears play a major role. They constantly send your brain information about where your body is in space, helping you quickly respond to changes.
Your nervous system
This is like your body’s operating system. It receives signals from your senses and muscles, and makes sure your muscles react instantly to correct your balance when you’re about to fall.
Your feet and ankles
These take care of the smallest corrections. They feel the ground and make tiny adjustments to keep you stable — even on wobbly or slippery obstacles.
By training, you help all these systems work better together. This improves your body awareness and leads to more stable balance!
How can you train your balance?
You don’t need fancy equipment to train your balance. Simple exercises can already make a big difference.
Stand on one leg
Start with 30 seconds per leg. Doing well? Try closing your eyes or moving your arms while balancing.Lunges with balance
Perform slow, controlled lunges. Try to recover without wobbling or falling over.Balance on an unstable surface
Use a BOSU ball, balance board, or even a rolled-up towel. The more unstable, the more challenging.Core exercises
Planks, bird-dogs, or dead bugs will strengthen your core — essential for control and stability.Simulate obstacles
Walk along curbs, low walls, or a wooden beam in the park. This trains exactly what you need for the Strong Viking course.
How often should you train?
Training two to three times a week is enough to notice a difference. Balance exercises are accessible, time-efficient, and easy to combine with other functional training or even daily activities.
You can work on your balance without even thinking about it:
Stand on one leg while brushing your teeth
Do a few lunges while waiting for the kettle
Try a slow squat on an unstable surface
This way, you’re building more stability, coordination, and body confidence — with zero extra effort.
Balance at Strong Viking
Several Strong Viking obstacles seriously test your balance. And if you’re also afraid of heights, every wobble feels ten times scarier. One unstable step might be enough to lose both your balance and your focus. Use the tips above, train your balance, build your confidence and hit the course prepared.
Get your tickets for the next Strong Viking Obstacle Run and show that nothing can knock you off your feet, even at height!