I was browsing through one of my fitness magazines and read a little blurb about the Indo Board
According to the web site, you can develop better balance, coordination, and leg strength. It is great for sports training, particular board sports such as surfing, skiing, and skateboarding. Apparently, balance boards have been around for a long time, but the Indo Board is designed to be user friendly. The web site states that most people learn how to use it within 15 minutes or so.
The board looks like it would be fun to use by itself but you can make it even more challenging by using weights, elastic bands, or even a medicine ball while trying to keep your balance.
Have you ever tried a balance board before? Have you noticed any benefits from using one?
{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
I have not tried the Indo Board, but it looks like a good exercise, I am sure it offers a nice leg workout. I would only try it on a carpeted floor though (can’t afford to break a bone!)
Balance boards are awesome! I teach a sports conditioning class and a balance board is a key component to the circuit I have my students complete. Bonus is they all love it! Of course, not sure you need to go buy one…
A piece of wood and some sturdy piping do the trick just as well.
These boards are truly useful and great for exercise. If you know how to manage it and utilize it for your fullest potential, you’re just good to go.
@Guille – I would stick to carpet too until I figured out how to use it, lol.
@Marshall – I was thinking the same thing. Seems like something easy to make on your own.
Looks effective but my balance is useless. I can’t even stay on my feet on a regular skateboard
The Indo Board is awesome, but I think it’s for people who already have pretty good control of their core. I would definitely suggest having a chair or other support to hold onto the first few times until you can begin to feel how your body reacts. Very easy to get injured!
Indo boards are awesome for improving your skateboard tricks. One thing that’s really great is that you can ride them indoors when it’s too cold or wet outside to skate!
Balance is important while doing any weight lifting, so this could be very valuable – Increasing your awareness of proper balance will help in every aspect of training, i would think.
Awesome … totally getting one of these.
Such a great tool for strengthening all the stabilizer muscles in your whole body.
Sorry but I have to disagree here. Anytime you introduce a balancing act into weight training, whether it’s with an Indo Board, Bosu Ball, etc., then you are dramatically increasing the chance for injury. Weight training should only be done on a flat, stable surface (i.e. floor or ground). If you want to train your core there are plenty of ways to do that without using this kind of equipment. If you want to improve your balance, try this without weights.
Not sure I agree with you Sean – when you perform a squat, you are definitely introducing balance into your workout. Proper form is key when you perform any weight lifting, so working on balance will only help you in other exercises. I don’t think anyone is suggesting that you use an indo board while you’re lifting weights – but it will certainly improve your core as you train to improve your balance.
That looks like a great workout for the core and stabilizer muscles.