Why Use A Balance Board?
There are literally dozens of exercises that will help improve your physical balance skills. Everything from yoga, pilates, one legged stands, and standard aerobic classes will help your balance improve to a degree …
The exercise which most closely focuses on your balance skills, though, is use of a balance board. To see what a balance board looks like, click on the Indo Board banner to your right. They’re kind of like mini surfboards with a sturdy ball or roller fastened at the center of the underside …
The idea behind a balance board is to place you atop an unstable surface and force you to completely focues on your balance form to stay atop. Not only is it a great balance workout that will yield significant results very quickly, it’s also great for your core muscles. One of the female fitness athletes at our gym swears by balance boards as ideal for toning leg muscles and ab muscles as well …
If you own a balance board or are considering buying one to improve your balance, here are a few tips and exercises to help you get the most from your board.
First, it’s important to recognize that standing atop a balance board will make you physically and mentally uncomfortable at first. Now don’t let that intimidate you! Most people become acclimated to a balance board within 3-5 minutes.
Here’s what to do when you step onto a balance board:
Your body (and mind) will want to bend at the waist and stand erect. As soon as you overcome this hurdle you’ll be well on your way to better balance! Keep your shoulders back and your knees bent at least six inches down, more if you are able.
When you first start, you probably won’t be able to bend your knees to a 90 degree angle, but that should be your goal. Once your knees are bent to that degree, you’ll really be working your core and improving your balance skills. Again, you mind will be telling you to move to a more erect posture. Don’t fall into that mental trap!
Once you’re able to hold your balance atop the board for say, two minutes or longer, it’s time to get creative. There are any number of exercises you can do with a balance board, including one legged stands, pushups with your arms providing the balance instead of your legs, squats, and more.
While balance boards are exceptionally useful for anyone seeking to improve their physical balance skills, they are particularly appropriate for anyone who participates in board sports. Testimonials abound from surfers, skiers, wakeboarders, and skateboarders.
For “general purpose” athletes, the core training workout you’ll receive from a balance board is second to none. Try it and see!
