Balance boards are an effective way to improve your physical and mental health. They provide a low-impact workout that can help you strengthen your core muscles, increase balance and coordination, and improve focus and concentration.
In this guide, we will explore balance boards' physical and mental benefits, how to use them safely, and some creative ways to incorporate them into your exercise routine. By understanding the power of balance boards, you can unlock new opportunities for improving your overall health and well-being.
What Is a Balance Board?
At its most basic level, a balance board is an unstable surface on which you can perform exercises or just stand to improve balance and coordination. They are often used in physical therapy.
Balance boards are beneficial for overall health and wellness since they can help you with the following:
• Increase your stability
• Strengthen core muscles
• Improve your posture
• Develop strength and coordination
• Reduce the risk of injury
Additionally, they provide a fun way to get in shape while helping you build core strength and stability.
They can increase exercise intensity or as balance training for activities like yoga, Pilates, and even skateboarding.
The Mental Benefits of Using Balance Boards to Enhance Focus & Concentration
There has been plenty of research that correlates exercise with improved overall mental health. But balance training offers some unique benefits.
One study showed that balance training improves memory and spacial abilities, even without upping other forms of exercise like cardio. Another found that balance training can even change the structure of your brain; they observed improved neuroplasticity in brain regions associated with motion perception and memory.
Balance boards are an effective way to add balance training to everyday life and are a great way to improve your focus. Activities requiring balance and coordination force your brain to concentrate on the task at hand. As a result, they can help you stay present, allowing you to manage stress and anxiety better.
Balance Board Exercises for Improved Posture & Strength
These exercises can be done in the comfort of your home without needing an expensive gym membership or special equipment beyond a balance board. StrongTek has released a large wooden balance board in collaboration with a Yoga trainer that is sturdy enough to hold up to 400 pounds. In addition, the stable base makes it appropriate for a wide range of exercises.
Balance board exercises can be performed in various ways, from simple balancing drills to complex movements involving multiple body parts.
These are a few recommendations for balance board exercises based on fitness level.
Beginner steps
If you're trying to start getting into an exercise routine, it's essential not to do too much too fast. Trying to do exercises you haven't mastered on a balance board is a recipe for disaster.
First, you should get comfortable standing on the balance board and working on extending the time you can stay balanced.
If standing is too much, position yourself near a wall or hold onto a chair until you can stand on your own two feet. You can even sit on the larger balance boards.
Once you feel stable and comfortable for extended periods, try exercises that aren't too difficult for you on stationary surfaces.
For example:
- Squats
- Heel raises
- Plank with your hands holding the edges of the balance board
Even standing and rocking back and forth engages your muscles and improves balance.
Next steps
For those who already feel comfortable with their exercise routine, a balance board can add extra difficulty.
These are some exercises you can modify to take advantage of the balance board:
- Push-ups
- Mountain climbers
- Oblique twists
- Sit-ups/crunches
- Triceps dips
In addition, certain yoga poses can benefit from a balance board:
- Tree pose
- Downward/upward-facing dog
- Crescent moon pose
- Glute bridge
- Boat pose
- Malasana squat
Depending on how advanced your practice is, you can also try arm balances, such as crow pose. But only attempt these if you're very confident in the pose and comfortable with the balance board.
Find Balance in Your Life
Balance boards are an excellent tool for improving your physical health as well as your mental well-being. With regular use, they can help improve coordination, balance, and posture while also providing an enjoyable way to exercise your mind. By combining physical activity with mental exercises on the board, you can reap the benefits of improved focus alongside the physical benefits.
If you’re looking for a balance board that can accommodate all your exercise needs, StrongTek has you covered. Our oversize balance board can fit into your exercise and daily routine. Check it out today!