Which statement best describes how to position your feet to maintain a stable base when standing?

Which statement best describes how to position your feet to maintain a stable base when standing?

• A. Standing with feet shoulder width apart
• B. Standing with feet together
• C. Standing on tiptoes
• D. Sitting with legs crossed

Answer: (A)

To maintain a stable base when standing, you need a wide base of support, which helps keep your center of gravity over your feet and lets you react quickly to movement. Standing with feet about shoulder-width apart places the feet under the hips and distributes weight evenly, with knees kept slightly bent and the spine aligned. This stance provides balance and reduces the risk of tipping when you move or support another person. Standing with feet together narrows the base and makes you more prone to losing balance; standing on tiptoes raises your center of gravity and is less stable; sitting with legs crossed isn’t standing at all and cannot provide a stable base for standing tasks.

To maintain a stable base when standing, you need a wide base of support, which helps keep your center of gravity over your feet and lets you react quickly to movement. Standing with feet about shoulder-width apart places the feet under the hips and distributes weight evenly, with knees kept slightly bent and the spine aligned. This stance provides balance and reduces the risk of tipping when you move or support another person. Standing with feet together narrows the base and makes you more prone to losing balance; standing on tiptoes raises your center of gravity and is less stable; sitting with legs crossed isn’t standing at all and cannot provide a stable base for standing tasks.