Balance Boards

[JmcG]

Hi all - I just bought a balance board (I got a Vew Do Board http://www.vew-do.com/) and was wondering if anyone has used one of these to increase balance, core strength, and overall fitness. I got it based off a guy friend's recommendation who's an awesome athlete - strong road and mtn biker and snowboarder. It's on its way in the mail, but I thought I'd ask your opinions if you've used one/considered it and what gains, if any, you've seen in your riding or overall fitness?
Thanks!

[Nanci]

I used on in PT for a very old hamstring injury, or possibly a new groin strain, it's all blended together. I loved it and would have one if I could afford it. It is REALLY supposed to help for ankle strength.

Nanci

[mtbmargie]

I'd like to know more about this also. My gym has these and I see a lot of the trainers having people use the baords while doing light upper body lifting and squats. I've also gotten recommendations to use this to build core strength. I actually saw a guy stand on one of those big ab balls to work on his core. I was very impressed. I haven't used the balance boards myself but was considering it for the my lifting session tomorrow. I'll also take note of what exercises the trainers are teaching too. I'll keep you posted.

[shadon]

I use both with my trainer at the gym. She often has me do some free weight exercise, with time on the balance board or Bosu between sets. I've seen signifigant improvement in my balance with both of these.

[KnottedYet]

I love working with balance boards. Fitter First has some great balance toys. (i think their web is fitter1st.com, but don't quote me on that) We bought the Trikke, but haven't figured it out yet.

[han-grrl]

Balance boards, wobble boards, bosu, balls all provide unstable surfaces for us to do exercises on, increasing the difficulty of the exercise, an forcing core muscle groups to engage (as well as improve neuro muscular connections so that things happen when they should).

There is no need to spend LOTs of money on some of these things. if you can't do certain exercises standing on one leg (including simple, standing on one leg), then you shouldn't be moving to unstable surfaces. (my own opinion)

have fun!

han