If you participate in any type of board sport, such as wakeboarding, surfing, or snowboarding, you may know that excellent balance is your most crucial skill for success in your sport. To become proficient, you need to work on improving your balance. Here are the top three ways board athletes can improve their balance skills:
First of all, the key to skill in any board sport is having what insiders call a “quiet top half.” Translated, this means that your torso should remain static or immobile as much as possible.
Your legs, and to a lesser extent, your core muscles, have to adapt to the changing terrain or water. As an example, consider a world-class gymnast. Good gymnastics form requires a still, even upper body while the legs do most of the work.
The same is true in board sports. To maintain good balance, you need to train yourself to use your legs and core muscles instead of your arms and torso.
Here are the three best ways to improve your balance for board sports:
Balance Discs for Fitball
A fitball balance disc is an inflatable fitness device that is usually about 18 inches wide. The bottom of the disc is flat and grounded, while the top is semicircular and unstable.
The purpose of this equipment is to help you maintain your posture and balance on unstable surfaces. Because they are quite small, they are ideal for apartments and cramped living spaces. You should use the disc with one foot or both and try to stay on top of it for longer periods of time. It usually takes a few minutes to get used to, so don’t worry if you can’t master the exercise right away.
In addition to working on your balance, using a fitball disc is a great way to train your core muscles for board sports moves.
Balance boards:
A balance board is probably the best training tool for board sports. It basically replaces and simulates your snow, wake, surf, or skateboard. A variety of sizes are available, with models designed for specific board sports.
Usually, the board is mounted on a roll or a sphere. The goal, of course, is to stay on the board and keep your balance. Board sports enthusiasts will be amazed by the almost exact simulation level, and it is an ideal training method when the weather does not cooperate with outdoor activities.
Pilates and yoga
There’s a reason why both Pilates and yoga have become hugely popular over the past decade. Both forms of exercise don’t just work on stretching and leaning your body forward; they rely on balancing skills to do so. Furthermore, they are totally non-impact while providing a stimulating and challenging workout.
Pilates, in particular, is perfect for board athletes. The emphasis on core muscles and balance skills translates perfectly to the actual sporting activity.
Overview
When you play board sports, it is important to continuously work on improving your balance. The best way to do this is by using specialised fitness equipment and training programs. Fitball checkers, balance boards, Pilates, and yoga are by far the best choices.
