Gymnasts, in particular, have the finest static monopedal balance and bipedal dynamic balance ability. Soccer players, who don't change much from the first, are followed by swimmers and basketball players. Baseball players have the worst balance. The best way to improve your balance is with exercises that work all parts of your body, especially those muscles involved in standing up straight. Try these exercises daily for a few months, then once a week for maintenance: 1. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and arms at your side. Inhale slowly and exhale completely as you reach back with your hands and lift your chest. Keep your knees soft while pulling your stomach in and lifting your tailbone toward the sky. Do this as long as you can without losing your breath; repeat it three times on each side. 2. Stand with your feet together and arms at your sides. As you breathe in, lean forward at the hips until you feel a strong stretch in the backs of your legs. Hold this position for five deep breaths; on the sixth breath, jump as high as you can into the air. Land softly and repeat the exercise several times if you want.