| If you're a participant in any type of board sport, like | | | | exercise right away. |
| wake boarding, surfing, or snow boarding, you may | | | | In addition to working on your balance, using a fitball |
| know that excellent balance is your most crucial skill | | | | disc is a great way to train your core muscles for |
| for success in your sport. In order to be proficient, | | | | board sport movements. |
| you need to work on improving your balance. Here | | | | Balance Boards |
| are the top three ways board sporters can enhance | | | | A balance board is probably the single best training |
| their balance skills... | | | | tool for board sports. It basically replaces and |
| First of all, the key to proficiency in any board sport | | | | simulates your snow, wake, surf, or skate board. |
| is to have what insiders refer to as a "quiet upper | | | | There are several different sizes available, with |
| half". Translated, that means your torso should | | | | models designed for specific board sports. |
| remain static, or without motion as much as possible. | | | | Typically, the board is mounted on a roller or a |
| Your legs and to a lesser extent your core muscles | | | | sphere. The object, of course, is to stay atop the |
| should adjust with the changing terrain or water. | | | | board and maintain your balance. Board sport |
| Watch a world class gymnast as an example. Proper | | | | enthusiasts are amazed at the almost exact level of |
| gymnastics form requires a still, even upper body | | | | simulation, and it's an ideal training method if the |
| while the legs do most of the work. | | | | weather is uncooperative for outdoor activities. |
| In board sports, the same holds true. In order to | | | | Pilates And Yoga |
| maintain good balance, you need to train yourself to | | | | There's a reason why both pilates and yoga have |
| use your legs and core muscles instead of your arms | | | | exploded in popularity over the last ten years. Not |
| and torso. | | | | only do both forms of exercise work on stretching |
| Here are the three best ways to improve your | | | | and leaning out your body, they rely on balance skills |
| balance for board sports: | | | | to do so. Further, they are totally non impact while |
| Fitball Balance Discs | | | | providing a stimulating and challenging workout. |
| A fitball balance disc is an inflatable piece of fitness | | | | Pilates in particular are perfect for board sport |
| equipment that is usually about 18 inches across. The | | | | participants. The emphasis on core muscles and |
| bottom of the disc is flat and grounded, while the | | | | balance skills translate perfectly to the actual sporting |
| top is semi circular and unstable. | | | | activity. |
| The purpose of this equipment is to help you | | | | Summary |
| maintain your posture and balance on an unsteady | | | | If you participate in board sports, it is important to |
| surface. Because they are quite small, they are ideal | | | | continually work on improving your balance. The best |
| for apartments and tighter living quarters. You should | | | | way to do so is to use specialized fitness equipment |
| use the disc with one foot or both, and attempt to | | | | and exercise programs. Fitball discs, balance boards, |
| stay atop it for progressively longer periods of time. | | | | and pilates and yoga are far and away your best |
| It will usually take you several minutes to become | | | | choices. |
| acclimated, so don't worry if you can't master the | | | | |