Eli5 Why do we lean the same way we are falling to stop ourselves from falling, if balancing on a beam for example.

Question

Eli5 Why do we lean the same way we are falling to stop ourselves from falling, if balancing on a beam for example.

In: Physics

Answer 1

We don’t really, it just appears that way when we shift our center of gravity in the opposite direction quickly then counterbalance with our upper body.

[example](https://sites.massey.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/sites/57/2016/09/Tightrope-1024×697.jpg)

The hips are shifted the opposite direction as the upper body. He only appears to be leaning, but is really shifting his weight over the rope.