A Simple Balance Exercise for Patients With Cancer: The Drinking Bird

In this installment of the balance exercise series, physical therapist Leslie Waltke walks us through a move called the Drinking Bird — a single-leg balance exercise that challenges stability while gently working the hips and core.

Why This Exercise Matters

Balance and strength can take a hit during and after cancer treatment, whether from surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or simply extended periods of rest. Rebuilding that stability gradually and safely is an important part of recovery. Exercises like the Drinking Bird train your body to stabilize on one leg while moving, which mimics real-life movements like bending over to pick something up or reaching for an object off the floor.

Setup

Before you begin, find a sturdy support nearby — a wall, countertop, or the back of a chair. Having something stable within reach ensures you can practice safely, especially as you're first learning the movement.

How to Do the Drinking Bird

1. Start standing on both legs, close to your support surface.
2. Shift your weight and lift one leg off the ground. (Leslie starts with the left leg.)
3. Extend your arms out to the sides for balance.
4. Hinge forward at the hips, lowering your torso as far as feels comfortable and controlled — think of a bird dipping down to drink water.
5. Hold the forward position for a count of 5.
6. Return to standing upright on the single leg.
7. Repeat for 5 to 10 repetitions on that leg.
8. Switch sides and repeat the same sequence on the other leg.

Coaching Tips

• Only lower as far as you can control — range of motion isn't the goal, stability is.
• Keep your support surface close by and use it as needed, especially when you're new to the movement.
• If holding for a count of 5 is too challenging at first, shorten the hold and build up gradually.
• Move slowly and with control on both the way down and the way back up.

The Takeaway

The Drinking Bird is a simple but effective way to build single-leg balance and hip strength at the same time. As with any balance exercise, consistency matters more than intensity — a few focused minutes several times a week can make a real difference over time.