balance board and other out of saddle exercises...

[murphyluv]

visited another dressage barn the other day- and they had a "balance board"? in their tackroom. Well, feeling adventerous, I stepped on, and immediantly sunk to the left- which I had a feeling I would as that is what I do in the saddle!! It was amazingly tricky to balance using core muscles. I would love to get a hold of one of those!!! where??? someone said they might be around $90- which, is waay to much for a piece of wood... Any other exercises that woudl also be great? I do pilates everynow and then- but as far as learning how to balance weight- I don't think that helps..

[fizzyfuzzybuzzy]

There are some options for a balance board. There are smaller versions for much less money ($12-$15). Look here for some choices -- http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/balanceproductsconsumer?utm_source=Adwords&utm_campaign=balance&utm_sponsored=ad&utm_medium=PPC

[flamenco horse]

Interesting about the balance board. I did a search on ebay and this is what I came up with. Lots of other types and styles for a lot less.

http://shop.ebay.com/items/__balance-board-exercise_W0QQ_nkwZbalanceQ20boardQ2cQ20exerciseQ20 QQ_cqrZtrueQQ_fromfsbZQQ_nkwuscZbalanceQ20boardQ2c QQ_nkwuscZexerciserQQ_trksidZm270Q2el1313

[Ambrey]

The Wii fit is a similar concept- measuring your balance left to right and front to back.

[Carolinadreamin']

I was going to say the same thing, Ambrey, about the Wii fit for balance! Got it for my kids for Christmas and was amazed about what I learned about my balance. I've been working hard on my collapsing to one side, but have improved significantly since using the Wii fit. Plus it's fun.

[Twiliath]

Find a dog agility person to build you one. Or build your own. Mine is 3x3 foot piece of 3/4 inch plywood with a newel post knob attached in the center. Then painted with sand-infused paint for traction. It cost me $35 but I'm sure you can DIY for lots less.

[Trixie's mom]

www.riderightnow.com

[murphyluv]

There are some options for a balance board. There are smaller versions for much less money ($12-$15). Look here for some choices -- http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/balanceproductsconsumer?utm_source=Adwords&utm_campaign=balance&utm_sponsored=ad&utm_medium=PPC

YAY! Those look great- and cheap too!

[murphyluv]

It looks like this might be my best option:
http://www.isokineticsinc.com/category/balanceproductsconsumer/product/isobaldelux

I'm afraid that if I built one myself, it'd be slightly off center- I'm talented at that....

[goeslikestink]

visited another dressage barn the other day- and they had a "balance board"? in their tackroom. Well, feeling adventerous, I stepped on, and immediantly sunk to the left- which I had a feeling I would as that is what I do in the saddle!! It was amazingly tricky to balance using core muscles. I would love to get a hold of one of those!!! where??? someone said they might be around $90- which, is waay to much for a piece of wood... Any other exercises that woudl also be great? I do pilates everynow and then- but as far as learning how to balance weight- I don't think that helps..

yeap walk upstair on the tips of your toes it strengthens your calf mussles

[JB]

I agree that a Wii fit can measure, and probably help change your balance. BUT, there is NOTHING like actually have to balance yourself, or fall/wobble/topple. You really cannot engage your core muscles if the board you are "balancing" on is flat, and just measuring how much weight you're putting on each side. If you do not engage your core on a real balance board, you WILL wobble - that is the whole point of them :)

[CapitolDesign]

balimo chairs.

[Ambrey]

But the goals on the Wii Fit is to modify your weight distribution- I guarantee it will engage your core, if you do it.