Stability & Sport Exercise of the week #2: Balance Trainer

Do it on a balance trainer!

 

Almost anything you do on the floor can be done on a balance trainer (eg. Bosu Trainer)! Doing arm curls? Kneel on the Bosu (this exercise for the biceps will be awesome for activating hamstrings). Shrugs? Do it on the Bosu. Lunges? Step forward onto a Bosu. If its too high or too difficult then use a piece of 2” foam to step on to.

 

I prefer exercising in bare feet for the best effect. If you're in a gym you may need to wear footwear so make it minimal and with a shoe that allows your toes to spread.

 

When you are using foam or a balance trainer, there will be a great many times when you will stumble. You may even have to suddenly reach out to catch your balance! This is part of the learning. Its called being reflexive. Training your reflexive stability is what this is all about! We want you off balance to train your balance and reflexive ability now so that as you age you can carry this with you. When you are on a hike or cross country ski at 75 you can catch yourself before you fall and potentially hurt yourself.

 

~Dr. Darrell