My guess is that they felt any longer was less a test of balance than of muscle fatigue.
Balance is one thing that (I found) could easily be improved through practice. A while back I started doing it while throwing the ball (using a flinger) for my dog. At first I couldn’t do it more than a few seconds. Within a couple of months, I could do it throughout 10-20 tosses, including bending to pick up the ball.
Over my adult life, on a couple of occasions I made the effort to improve my balance and flexibility. Both extremely achievable with relatively little effort - but DO require consistent effort.
This is something I feel like I need to get off of my chest. This isn’t addressed to you, but your post has triggered it.
I’ve had people notice my wobbly balance and poor coordination tell me to practice more. I know they have good intentions, but I kinda wish they’d STFU. I know I look physically capable, like I have no excuse for not being able to do something requiring such “little effort” (particularly since I’m so physically active). But five years of yoga practice hasn’t helped me in this regard. It’s done other things for me, but I still haven’t gotten the hang of balance.
It is frustrating not being able to do something so simple. And then it is frustrating to hear someone talk about how easy it is for them.
People should practice, of course. But they may have a good medical explanation for why it’s hard for them. Poor balance is an important neurological sign.
Eyes open: gave up after 1:15. Was getting fairly tired in that leg. Probably couldn’t go on too much longer.
OTOH: Eyes closed: :09. Wow. Much harder.
In any case, take that 18-39 year-olds!
Did it last night. 2 minutes on my right leg before I got bored to death. The same for my left. My leg did start to cramp a bit by the 2 minute mark. I have not tried it with my eyes closed yet.
I’m 52.
Standing on my left leg — over a minute easily two times.
Standing on my right leg – average 48 seconds.
Near 60
I can do over a minute with both eyes open or shut, I’m 40. I do yoga though so have reasonably strong core and ankle muscles for balances.