How long can you stand like a flamingo?
It might sound like an odd question, but your answer could tell you a lot about your general health and fitness.
Can you beat the average for your age?
You should be able to stand on one leg continuously for 43 seconds if you’re aged between 18 and 39, and for 40 seconds if you’re aged between 40 and 49.
Perhaps understandably, as you get older, the length of time you should be able to ‘make like a flamingo’ diminishes even more.
On average it’s 37 seconds if you’re 50 to 59, 30 seconds if you’re 60 to 69, between 18 and 19 seconds if you’re aged 70 to 79, and a little over five seconds if you’re over 80.
Take the challenge now
Before testing yourself, make sure somebody is with you, that you’re in a clear area, and are wearing suitable footwear. If you feel unsteady or unwell at any time, stop the test.
Here are the rules:
- Keep your eyes open and your hands on your hips
- Stand on one leg without any other support
- Time starts when your foot leaves the ground and stops when you put your foot back down (or take your hands off your hips)
See if you can maintain the pose for your age category, but even if you’re feeling confident, don’t try to maintain the pose for any longer than one minute.
Watch the video to see the challenge in action
Could you stand like a flamingo?
Weird question. But your answer could tell a lot about your general health and fitness.
You should be able to stand on one leg continuously for:
1 minute if you’re aged 18 to 49 (but why not aim for 2 minutes!). At least 40 seconds if you’re 50-59. 35 seconds if you’re 60-69. 20 seconds if you’re aged 70 to 79 and 5 seconds if you’re aged 80 and above.
If you can’t manage last the whole time, we have some tips on how to boost your strength and mobility.
Ready to take the test?
Firstly, make sure somebody is with you, that you’re in a clear area and that you’re wearing suitable footwear. If you feel unsteady or unwell at any time, stop the test.
OK, here are the rules. Keep your eyes open and your hands on your hips. Stand on one leg without any other support. Time starts when your foot leaves the ground and stops when you put your foot back down, or take your hands off your hips.
See if you can maintain the pose for your age category. And even if you’re feeling confident – don’t try to maintain the pose for any longer than two minutes. If you found it easy – why not try the other leg? Good luck!
Pass the flamingo challenge to someone you know and tag us in your videos. You can get more information about the flamingo challenge and how to improve your fitness at: norfolkandsuffolk.icb.nhs.uk/flamingo
What to do with your result
If you couldn’t stand on one leg for as long as the guide suggests for your age group, don’t worry. There are plenty of ways to improve your strength, balance and confidence.
Being active and staying connected with others can help you maintain your independence, reduce your risk of falls and support your overall wellbeing.
From Pilates to pickleball, salsa class or seated yoga. Our partners in Norfolk and Suffolk can point you to activity groups and sessions in your local area, including dedicated strength and balance classes.
Browse their websites to find an activity that suits your schedule and that you’ll look forward to week after week.
Go on, time to shake your tail feathers.
Get active in Norfolk
Get active in Suffolk
Stay steady and safe
As part of Falls Prevention Week, we’re encouraging people to take six simple steps to stay steady and safe.
From snug slippers to safer stairs – check out our tips now. We even have a downloadable checklist you can go through. Take a look through for yourself or with a loved one.
Pass on the #FlamingoChallenge
Why not pass the challenge on to someone else? Share our video, tag your friends and send your clips to us at: [email protected]