Balance Board Basics + Video!

Have you ever wanted to learn how to use a balance board?

There is no better time than now!

So, what is a balance board?

A balance board is a wonderful tool to use to work on and practice your balance!

It is simply a plank of wood/ board/ or a skateboard that sits on a round roller/tube that you can stand on to practice balance!

You can find balance boards online through multiple sites from various companies, or you can make your own!

Here is my balance board setup:

This board is just a big, cut, flat piece of wood with small wood slivers on the edges to stop the board from slipping. (The slivers are also nice little handles!)

It is 34" long, and 15" at its widest point.

I really enjoy this board because of its size. Bigger balance boards offer more space to stand and more room to play around!

(The top painting on the board was hand-done by myself)

For the roller/ tube:

I am using a set of big (74mm) downhill wheels that I've taped together, lengthwise, to create that classic tube-like roller.

You can make a balance board out of a piece of wood like I use, or you can also use a plain skateboard/ longboard! As for the roller/ tube, besides a set of wheels taped to each other, you can also use some PVC pipe or a filled 2-liter bottle of water (make sure the cap stays on!)

It'll work as long as it can do this:

How to use a balance board:

Here is an instructional video on balance board basics:

Photo Guide:

Start off by placing your roller/ tube on the ground and leaning your balance board against it. The board will slide down and be angled so only one end of the board is one the ground.

Feel free to use a yoga mat or thin carpet underneath your board and roller/ tube for a less slippery surface.

Start by placing your foot on the side of the balance board that is on the ground.

Bring your other foot onto the opposite side of the board; keeping your weight on the leg leaning towards the ground.

You'll start by standing tall with your knees slightly bent (as you become more comfortable, you'll be able to get lower).

Keep your feet hip/ shoulder-width wide, whichever feels more comfortable to you. (Wider stances are generally easier to help balance)

Begin to shift your weight towards your opposite foot.

*Make sure to flex and keep your quads (thigh muscles) strong and active. Activate your core and glute muscles too to keep your center strong and stable.

As you shift your weight to the other side, you'll notice the board will want to dip until it hits the ground. This is perfectly fine. You'll want to teeter back and forth, shifting weight from leg to leg until you find your balance and center.

Once you find your balance; stay strong, weight centered, muscles flexed, and active. Continue to practice keeping centered and not letting the board tilt into the ground.

As you begin to feel more comfortable balancing, you can start rocking the board back and forth- keeping your strength and balance to keep the board off the ground.

You can begin to get lower once you are more comfortable.

I recommend practicing balance as often as possible! The more time spent practicing on a balance board, the better your balance will become. If you're just at home watching tv, or a movie: balance board! Take your balance board with you on fun trips to get you and your friends balancing too!

Not only is a balance board great for working out and training your balance, but it is also super fun!

Happy Balancing 🥰