Balancing Board Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself During Workouts

Balancing boards provide an effective full-body workout, but the unstable surface can also lead to falls and injuries if proper precautions aren’t taken. By following some basic safety tips, you can get all the benefits of balancing board training while minimizing risk.

This comprehensive guide covers the essential safety advice you need to protect yourself and have an effective workout.

Benefits of Using a Balancing Board Safely

Exercising safely on a balancing board has many advantages:

• Prevents painful and costly injuries from falls
• Allows you to work with confidence and peace of mind
• Ensures long-term health so you can keep exercising
• Lets you progress at your own pace without fear
• This means you can exercise independently without a spotter
• Protects joints, bones, and muscles from harm
• Keeps your workout area clear of obstructions and hazards
• Promotes proper form to get the most from balancing motions
• Reduces anxiety and worry about falling
• Helps build discipline and care around exercise
• Makes balancing board training sustainable lifelong

Putting safety first ensures you get to enjoy all of the balance and coordination benefits without unnecessary risk.

General Safety Tips for Balancing Board Training

Follow these essential tips whenever using a balancing board:

Use Padded Flooring

• Have an exercise mat, carpet or padded surface under the board in case of falls. Avoid hardwood or tile floors.

Start Slowly

• Build up time on the board gradually as skills improve. Don’t rush into advanced moves.

Have a Spotter Nearby

• A friend should be ready to assist you when attempting new or risky balances.

Use Spotting Blocks

• Place foam blocks on each side of the board to catch it if it tilts excessively.

Be Rested and Focused

• Don’t use a balancing board when overly fatigued or distracted. Full concentration is required.

Wear Protective Gear

• Use knee pads, wrist guards, and a helmet if attempting risky stunts or extreme balancing.

Stretch and Warm Up

• Don’t hop on cold muscles. Take time to dynamically stretch your whole body first.

Break Up Sessions

• Take short breaks during long workouts to give your mind and muscles a rest.

Tips for Preventing Common Balancing Board Injuries

Balancing boards put you at risk of certain injuries. Use these methods to help avoid them:

Sprained Ankles

• Keep movements controlled. Tape ankles if they are weak. Wear ankle braces if sprains are a concern.

Wrist Fractures

• Don’t try to catch your fall with your hands. Allow the forearms to absorb impact instead.

Head and Neck Injuries

• Bend your knees deeply when losing balance to avoid slamming your head on the floor. Don’t balance near hard/sharp objects.

Knee Sprains and Meniscus Tears

• Avoid knee locking or buckling inward. Build strength in surrounding muscles.

Lower Back Strains

• Engage core muscles and don’t round back. Stop if pain arises.

Muscle Overuse Injuries

• Vary your workouts and take rest days. Overtraining can cause pulls and strains.

Safety Tips for Different Balancing Board Exercises

Exercise-specific precautions also help avoid injury:

Jumps and Hops

• Keep them low-impact. Land softly with bent knees. Have excellent control before trying explosive jumps.

Strength Training

• Use minimal weight and go slow. Have a solid base before lifting heavy. Don’t max out.

Yoga Poses

• Avoid overstretching. Only hold poses briefly when first learning. Don’t force the range of motion.

Advanced Balances

• Work up to them progressively over weeks and months. Attempting difficult moves too soon is asking for trouble.

Agility Drills

• Ensure your board won’t shift on the floor surface during lateral motions. Check your footing.

Tips for Safety Based on Skill Level

Certain tips apply more for beginner, intermediate and advanced users:

Beginner

• Use a wider, more stable board
• Have handles for support
• Keep a wall or chair nearby to grab
• Look straight ahead, not down
• Use spotter blocks

Intermediate

• Focus on smooth motions
• Keep core engaged
• Wear wrist guards and a helmet
• Mind muscle fatigue
• Stop at the first sign of pain

Advanced

• Use spotters for new exercises
• Maintain proper spinal alignment
• Avoid overtraining balancing muscles
• Take recovery days between intense sessions
• Only increase difficulty gradually

Knowing the right tips for your skill level helps avoid taking on too much risk. Progress patiently through beginner to advanced skills.

Protecting Your Training Space

You also need to ensure a safe workout environment:

• Clear areas of clutter, furniture, cords, etc.
• Ensure adequate space for exercises and dismounts
• Check board stability before each session
• Cushion walls and sharp corners if the space is small
• Look for slippery spots on the floor
• Ensure sufficient lighting to see properly
• Keep young children and pets away during use

Take time to survey your workout space before hopping on the board to prevent environmental hazards.

Listen to Your Body

Most importantly, listen to the signals your body gives related to pain and fatigue. Stop immediately if:

• You feel sharp joint pain
• Muscles burn or cramp excessively
• You feel lightheaded or dizzy
• Nausea, headache or other worrying symptoms occur

It’s better to end a session early than to push through pain and suffer a serious injury. Don’t ignore warning signs.

Make balancing board training safer and more enjoyable by applying these essential tips. Protect your body so you can continue building your balance skills for years to come. Stay safe and have fun!