Being off balance while exercising isn't always a bad thing -- it works all the bits and pieces of your muscles in all sorts of great ways. But you don't want to completely wobble while you're trying to hang tough on your BOSU.

Are you in a healthy balance zone? Rate yourself with the following Ladies Home Journal test. You want to score a 48.

Stand barefoot on a hard flat surface. Put one foot in front of the other, heel to toe, and cross your hands on your chest. Close your eyes and count slowly. When you lose your balance, write down the number you reached. Repeat this three times, then determine the average of your scores.

Did you make it to 48 without teetering? If so, LHJ says you're in a healthy balance zone. If not, practice these three exercises for six months. Then test yourself again and see how you've improved. To boost the balance in your knees, ankles and hips, Bev has some smart strategies.

• Stand on one leg when you talk on the phone. Start with your eyes open, then try closing them.
• Stand on an unstable surface, like a rolled-up exercise mat or towel, and do squats or arm curls with light-weight dumbbells.
  
• Strength-train your legs twice a week -- stronger muscles will keep you from falling.