Tell me more!
Balance boards have been around since the 1950s, and more recently have become more mainstream being used for fun, board sport training, and strength conditioning - you may have seen one in your gym. But balance boards haven’t changed much since the 50s... until recently when a few manufacturers started to produce ‘sphere and ring’ balance boards. Rather than a simple pivot or the more common roller, these new balance boards balance on a sphere – or ball to you and me, and have a clever ring to stop you from rolling off of the ball.

By floating freely on a ball, these new balance boards are far more challenging, fun and effective at what they’re meant to do. They are better for board sports like surf and snowboard as you now get full movement toe-heel as well as the standard foot-foot – giving you full rail to rail control.



Why?
If it's fitness, strength and balance you want, the movement of sphere and ring balance boards is what you need. You’ve probably seen the great work being done on products like Swiss / Gym balls, Bosu and Wobble boards, well the extra movement of sphere and ring boards means they are even more effective – and a lot more fun! The movement is especially good at targeting those hard to reach bits like your core strength and stability and your stabilising muscles. A strong core and stabilising muscles give a very functional fitness that allows you to have fun for longer with less chance of injury whatever you’re doing.

To help you take advantage of the effective training, many suppliers also supply workouts for a range of uses, see their websites below for more details.

Cool things you can do
Best of all, using sphere and ring balance boards is a lot of fun and highly addictive – its not something you’ll get bored of! Use can be light and easy, or you can really push yourself, you can even practice tricks such as 360s, grabs, pop-shove-its, and many more.

These balance boards are suitable for almost all ages and abilities, so don’t be shy, just start off easy and follow the tips below. Sphere and ring balance boards are also easily stored and carried, so they can fit into anyone’s life. All you’ll need is a balance board with ball, and a support to get you started.


Top tips!
•    The first time you get on the board it will wobble – a lot! Before you start, find somewhere with a good support – a doorway, mantle piece, hall way with banisters, a tree or fence, or your partners shoulders!
•    Stay strong but relaxed in your legs and abs.
•    Always look at a fixed point straight ahead – this keeps your head in line with your centre of balance.
•    Before trying to let go of your support, practice by moving the board around by shifting your weight.  
•    Once you feel confident, try releasing your grip until your riding freely.
•    Stay focused and don’t think about falling off, or you will!
•    Persevere – the first time you try it will seem impossible, but after 2 or 3 sessions you will suddenly get the feel for it.

People in the know!
www.coolboard.co.uk
www.si-boards.com/
www.balance360.com
www.surfball.net/

Interested in this? Why not try climbing and mountaineering, geocaching, orienteering, walking and hiking