Balance and Fitness

Over the past 5 years another trend has been the use of unstable platforms (Swiss balls, BOSU balls, wobble boards, etc.) to improve fitness. This equipment was previously used for rehabilitation purposes and has now worked its way into the mainstream of fitness items. My preference is not to use this equipment because there are many other ways to challenge balance without purchasing or accumulating another item that won't be used (by most people). The fact that personal trainers have access to them and used them in the gym doesn't generalize to everyone. Personally, I have found doing certain yoga poses to be helpful in developing balance as well as incorporating some movement into my exercises through combination moves (with no or little weight). Watching folks balance on a BOSU ball while trying to curl 25 lbs with each arm (even better, doing squats) seems like an accident waiting to happen. This isn't to say they don't have a use, but most folks can do without them and still obtain the fitness results they desire.