HOW TO CHOOSE A BALANCE BOARD
Choosing the right rehabilitation accessory shouldn't be a game of eeny meeny miny moe. Depending on what part of your body you want to strengthen, you'll want to consider several things.
The catch-all term "balance accessories" includes cushions, boards and other items that are designed to put you in an unstable position. They are used for exercises to strengthen your lower body. With regular training, these balance accessories will help you improve your mobility, balance and muscle strength.
To choose the right balance accessory, you should consider your goal, activity and the body part you're targeting.
IMPROVE YOUR MOBILITY AND RECOVER FROM INJURY
To improve your mobility and recover after an injury, nothing is better than Pilates and a balance board: options include the Rehabottomdisc, Rehabalanceboard, Rehabfeet and Rehabsitback. Keep reading to find out more about these tools:
- Rehabottomdisc/Rehabsoftdisc: a pimpled cushion that lets you work at 360° and improve your blood circulation. You can also use it as an office chair cushion.
- Rehabalanceboard/Rehaboard: a balance board that's perfect for boosting your balance. You can attach various feet to change the difficulty level and work at 360°, 180° or an angle.
- FeetMobility: As you might have guessed, these two pimpled cushions are designed for your feet. Walk on both sides to feel the two levels of instability. They also improve blood circulation! They are especially useful as part of a post-injury rehab programme.
- BackMobility: Sit on this adjustable and inflatable board to strengthen your postural muscles in the hips, lumbar spine and back. You'll love how easy it is to inflate!
TONE UP
To sculpt your figure, tone up and smooth your skin, Pilates is also a fantastic option. We suggest using your own bodyweight or resistance bands.
- If you want to use your bodyweight, the Rehabalanceboard is perfect. Especially for improving your proprioception.
"Proprioception refers to the information transmitted to your brain from your nerve receptors in your muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, skin and connective tissues (known as fascia). This information controls and regulates your posture and body movements. Some scientists consider proprioception as a sort of 'sixth sense'."
Note: The word "proprioception" (from the Latin "propius" and "[re]ception") means "own awareness" or "deep sensitivity".
Good proprioception will optimise how you move your body. Doing Pilates exercises on the balance board activates 70% of your lower body muscles. That includes those in your ankles and knees. This versatile accessory will let you see fast results.
- If you want to use resistance bands, try the Bosu. Stand on this balance board holding the resistance bands to do a range of exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve your balance.
FEEL COMFORTABLE DURING YOUR REHAB AND FITNESS WORKOUTS
Feeling comfortable and at ease in your clothes is important so you can forget about what you're wearing and focus on your exercises. Our designers created a special textile range for Pilates and gentle sports activities (toning, stretching): T-shirts, tank tops, jackets, sweatshirts, leggings, bottoms, shorts and non-slip socks. All these products combine comfort, style and a technical design.
Pick your favourites from our range of men's and women's clothing.
Now you've got all the information you need about Pilates accessories and clothing at your fingertips! Enjoy your workouts!
Some advice from Renaud, Pilates expert
Because we know how important it is to have support when you're learning a sport, we spoke with Renaud, our Pilates specialist, to get some tips on how to get off on the right foot when you're new to Pilates.
"When you're just getting started, the goal is to hold the positions as long as possible. Once you feel more comfortable, try adding movement. I would also suggest including these types of exercises in your workouts to strengthen your muscles as deeply and completely as possible."