BOSTON -- Dynamic balance is the ability to maintain equilibrium even when moving! If you think of your body as a fine tuned automobile that you are driving down the street you will get the picture.

If the wheels are out of balance, chances are your tires will wear out more quickly than normal, you'll get a bumpy ride, you may lose control of your car and even have decreased fuel economy. Quite a price to pay for such an easy thing to prevent!

Now, connect the dots and think of your body. Out of balance means wear and tear on your joints, muscular imbalances, poor posture, compromised movement and maybe even falling.

The solution is easy. Make balance exercises part of your weekly, if not daily routine. Listed below are two fun, dynamic balance exercises that may get you on the road to having a body "in control," regardless of the speed you are traveling:

1.) Walk a Narrow Path: Walk on a line (real or imagined) forward 8 steps and then backward 8 steps. Now, do this balancing a book on your head.

2.) Hopscotch: Remember this game from your youth? Well, if you are too young, or didn't play this one, here's how it goes. Start by standing with your feet about hip width apart, now quickly step forward, landing on one foot (on an imaginary line in the center of the stance you started with). Hold 5, 10, and then 15 counts. Now back to that wider foot placement, and traveling forward, land on the other foot. Hold 5, 10, 15 etc. Too easy? Try holding a cup of water in each hand -- no spilling! Repeat 4-6 times.

A few safety tips: Be sure your space is clear (no clutter, or loose fitting area rugs). Wear shoes with support and be sure that you can reach for a chair or wall if you feel shaky.

Also, if you wear bifocals, you may have to either take them off, or make adjustments to maintain control as you move. One of the big keys to improving balance regardless of age is the awareness of where we are and how we respond to the demands of our daily activities.