DIY Balance Board
Using a balance board as part of your workout routine can help you develop better speed and agility. A balance board forces you to work the small muscle fibers in your legs and abdomen, which helps strengthen your overall core. Building your own balance board requires some basic materials and tools.
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Balance Board Shape
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To build your own balance board, you will need a wooden base thick enough to hold your body weight. Usually a 1/2-inch thick piece of wood will do. The shape of the base is up to you. Some basic balance boards are rectangular while others are round or oval. When cutting out the shape, think of basic design such as using a large circle or oval approximately 2 feet wide or in diameter. A wider balance board demands you do more work when your feet are near the edges and less work when they are closer to the center. You can also use a skateboard deck as a template but a circle will give you a more complete range of motion.
If you are cutting the board yourself, be sure to use care when using saws and tools. Make sure the edges of your board are sanded smooth to prevent injury later. If you want, you can even glue foam around the edges.
Creating Imbalance
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Once you have designed the shape you want, you need to create the mechanism that challenges your center of gravity. There are a couple ways to do this. A very simple method is not to attach anything to the bottom of the board, and instead use an unopened can of corn or bottle of soda to roll under the board. Note that your weight could cause the bottle to rupture and create a mess and possible injury.
If you prefer to attach something to the board, try a rounded fence post cap centered on the underside of the board. You can use Liquid Nails or other construction adhesive to attach it. The smaller the cap, the more you will be required to balance.
Cost Difference
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Balance boards on the market range from small inflatable plastic disks to board with rolling mechanisms underneath to increase the challenge. These boards range from $12 to $80 depending on the board and the retailer.
Making your own balance board should cost less than $10 in materials: board, Liquid Nails and fence post cap or canned goods. Making a balance board is a good alternative to buying one if you are handy, have the tools to make it and don't mind taking a couple hours of your time. You may decide to upgrade later or stick with the simple homemade design.
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