How to Make a Homemade Balance Board

A balance board is a simple and highly useful piece of exercise equipment. In addition to balancing exercises, a balance board can can be used for abdominal and upper- and lower-body exercises. Better yet, balance boards can be made at home.

Things You'll Need

• 7-ply maple or birch wood 4-inch-diameter dowel or wood column Sandpaper (fine and medium) Wood sealant Grip tape

Instructions

1. 

   Most lumber and hardware stores will cut wood to size on-site. Have a 1-by-8-inch plank of seven-ply maple or birch cut 30 inches long, and have a 4-inch diameter wood dowel or round column cut 8 inches long.

2. 

   Sand the cut edges of the board and column. Start sanding with an 80- to 120-grit medium sandpaper and finish with a 150- to 180-grit fine sandpaper. Make sure the edges of the balance board pieces are smooth to the touch, and brush off any remaining dust from the sanding.

3. 

   Apply two coats of wood sealant to the board and column; either brush-on or spray sealant can be used. Make sure the first coat is completely dry before applying the second coat.

4. 

   Allow the second coat of sealant on the balance board pieces to dry overnight. They will dry more quickly if they are in a low-humidity room that has adequate airflow.

5. 

   Wipe off the surface of the sealed board to be sure it is dust-free and apply grip tape to each end of the board. Rest the board on the column. It is now a homemade balance board.

Tips & Warnings

• Board length and width can be customized for individual preference. Column diameter can be increased or decreased to make exercises more or less challenging.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Downloadable wall chart of balance board exercises