FitterFirst BALANCE BOARD User manual

S
A
M
tability
gility
obility
™
BALANCE BOARD
user manual
fitter1.com | 1.800.fitter1
• Intro to Balance Training |• Exercises
• Balance Applications |• Product uide
• Safety Tips
Beginner Intermediate Advanced
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Balance Training 03
Safety & Proper Use 04
Getting Started 05
Product Guide 06
Exercises
Classic Board 08
Pro Balance Board 16" & 20" 08
Rocker Board 08
Combo Board 08
Combobble Board 08
Soft Boards 10
Active Office Board 10
Weeble Boards 10
Bongo Board 12
Extreme Balance Board Pro 12
Balance Applications 14
Athletic Training 15
Warranty Information 16
S
A
M
tability
gility
obility
™
INDEX
Practice Stability in daily living
to improve at play and
to enhance Mobility for life.
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Balance Training
Balance Training Explained
Balance Training is the process of coaching our bodies and brains into
feeling comfortable and confident in any posture or range of motion.
It demands physical and mental attention in order to create awareness
of how the body moves in a variety of conditions. Through Balance
Training our sense of proprioception can be trained to anticipate
different movements so that our bodies can react gracefully, maintain
a better relationship with gravity and develop improved posture.
An essential component of injury prevention, Balance Training is a
simple activity that will have a profound impact on your overall health
and is recommended for all ages and abilities. Ongoing Balance
Training will keep our minds and bodies constantly aware of themselves
and functioning together, and greater practice will yield greater results.
Fitterfirst has a variety of Balance Boards to suit your specific balance
training needs and to help you improve your quality of life.
Benefits of Balance
Board Training
• Improved balance & coordination
• Better proprioceptive awareness
• Improved core stability & strength
• reater ankle range of motion (R.O.M.)
• Improved flexibility & agility
• Enhanced performance in sport & daily life
Young or old, it’s never
too late to start, and
once you experience
the benefits of it, you
too will be hooked on
the balance game for
the rest of your life!
Louis Stack
President, Fitter International
3
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Safety & Proper Use
Safety Steps
1. Adjust Balance Boards to the lowest possible setting for first time use.
2. Only use these products on a dry surface, free of any obstacles.
3. You may need to step off quickly. Make sure you have ample space.
4. If you feel unsafe or feel like you may fall:
• Step off the Board. Do not use again until you have the help of a spotter
or some other suitable form of balance aid
• Stand in a doorway and touch both sides of the door frame beside you
If used properly, Balance Boards are
FUNctional training tools. Always
maintain proper upright posture with
your head up, back straight and knees
bent. Keep your eyes focused straight
ahead. Do not stare down at at your
feet as this may lead to loss of balance.
The exercises on the following pages
outline the basic activities you can do
on these Boards.
Warranty Information
Fitter International Inc. (Fitter®) warrants that all Fitterfirst products are free of
manufacturing defects in workmanship and materials and warrants that Fitter will repair
or replace defective parts or equipment (excluding wear from normal usage or misuse of
the product) for the period of one year from the date of purchase. If you purchased your
board via www.fitter1.com, you will be automatically set up for our warranty program. For
all boards purchased through a third-party retailer, the product must be registered online
by the original purchaser within 30 days of the time of purchase to be covered.
To register your Balance Board for the Fitterfirst Limited Warranty, visit fitter1.com/warranty
Proper Use
Many of our balance boards are based on a sphere for full pivot and high range of motion
(R.O.M.). Soft flooring may develop slight divits from balance board use over time. We
recommend using the board on a firm surface or mat to avoid floor damage.
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Getting Started
Adjusting Your Balance Board
Classic Board, Pro Balance Board 16" & 20", ocker Board & Combobble Board
1. Lift sphere and turn clockwise to either increase or
decrease the height and difficulty
2. Release sphere to lock into place
On Rocker Board, adjust both spheres to the same setting
Combo Board
The Combo Board is sold with 3 different fulcrums of various sizes. To adjust, simply:
1. Lift fulcrum out of position
2. Place new fulcrum in-between the brackets, ensuring velcro is face
down and secured
Active Office Board
The Active Office Board has an unlimited amount of adjustibility. To switch the leg
positions, gently lift the foam legs from the base of the board and reattach. For ideas on
various leg positions, refer to the quick-reference card found on the bottom of your board,
or try some of your own!
Extreme Balance Board Pro
To limit front-to-back movement in your Extreme Balance Board Pro, flip both the
Support Pegs up to their full, upright position. When you are comfortable, you can flip
them both down to create an extra challenge.
e recommend keeping the Support Pegs at the same level - either both up or both
down.
Support Pegs - raised Support Pegs - lowered
5
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NameProductApplications
Classic Balance Board - 16"
dual level: 14° & 17°
See exercises, page 8
• Active Standing
• Early to late rehab
• Family fitness
Pro Balance Board - 16"
tri-level: 15°, 17° & 20°
See exercises, page 8
• Family fitness
• Late rehabilitation
• Athletic Training
Pro Balance Board - 20"
tri-level: 10°, 12° & 15°
See exercises, page 8
• Senior balance training
• Early to mid rehab
• yms
Pro ocker Board - 20"
tri-level: 10°, 12° & 15°
See exercises, page 8
• Early to late rehab
• Dynamic fitness
• Home & gym fitness
Pro Combo Board - 24"
5 interchangable fulcrums
See exercises, page 8
• All levels of rehab
• Family fitness
• yms
Pro Combobble Board - 24"
tri-level: 10°, 12° & 15°
See exercises, page 8
• Athletic training
• Dynamic fitness
• yms
Pro Weeble Boards - 11"
fixed 22º set
See exercises, page 11
• Dynamic workouts
• Athletic training
• Squat training
Product Guide
Beginner Intermediate Advanced Very Advanced
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NameProductApplications
Active Office Board - 24"
4 adjustable foam legs
See exercises, page 10
• Sit-stand desks
• Footrest
• Light balance training
Soft Board Beginner - 23"
4 corner legs
See exercises, page 10
• Early rehab / seniors
• Office use
• Dynamic workouts
Soft Board ocker - "
middle half-cylinder leg
See exercises, page 10
• All levels of rehab
• Family fitness
• SUP Training
Soft Board Advanced - "
single centre leg
See exercises, page 10
• Athletic training
• SUP training
• Dynamic workouts
Bongo Board - 31"
dual bearing roller and deck
See exercises, page 12
• Athletic training
• Family fitness
• Action sport training
Extreme Balance Board Pro - 30"
360° rotation
See exercises, page 12
• Athletic training
• Dynamic fitness
• Action sport training
Board ock - 31"
deck with flexing spheres
See exercises, page 13
• Athletic training
• Family fitness
• Action sport training
7
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E ercises
Classic & Professional Boards
Beginner
Begin with a gentle range of motion (R.O.M.) on the your Board until you become
familiar with the movement. Always maintain stable upright body position and proper
heads-up posture with eyes looking straight forward.
SIDE TO SIDE
Shift your weight from
left to right and back.
F ONT TO BACK
Shift your weight from
heels to toes and back.
OTATION
Rotate the Board using
controlled circular motions.
BALANCED PUSH UP
Start on your knees and
work up to full push-ups as
you become comfortable
with the challenge.
Use caution and be aware
that the wrists are in a full
extension for this activity.
CO E T AINING
Sitting exercises are intended
to improve core strength and
mobility in the lower back
and abdominals.
Alternative position: legs
extended forward, using
hands for additional support.
SQUATS
Amp up your regular squat
routine by using a balance
board.
As you become comfortable
using the board while
performing squats, up the
intensity by adding weights.
Intermediate
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Advanced
EYES CLOSED
Eyes closed is the most
dificult way to use a Balance
Board. All exercises can be
performed with eyes closed
if the user has developed
appropriate stability, balance
and reaction time. Always
start the exercise with eyes
open. When both you and
your spotter are ready, close
your eyes, only until you feel
off balance or out of control.
WA NING: FALLS SHOULD
BE EXPECTED. ONLY
PERFORM THIS ACTIVITY
WITH A SPOTTER.
SINGLE LEG
All of the Beginner exercises
can be performed while
balancing on one leg.
Establish where your center
point is by positioning your
foot so that you can
comfortably move the
board in any direction.
Single leg exercises require
more strength and stability,
and you may find that one
leg is much stronger than
the other. Keep practicing
and focus on areas where
you feel you have the least
control.
SIDE PLANK
For core strength and
endurance training, use the
board for everyday exercises
such as planks. To increase
the difficulty, try a side plank
by balancing on your
forearm or hand and holding
for 30 seconds. Repeat 3
times per side. Ensure to
keep your back and neck
straight and hips sqaured.
Incorporate the Board into
almost any regular exercise -
the possibilities are endless,
so please learn at your own
pace and use caution.
G EAT FO ALL AGES
9
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Soft Boards & Active Office Board
Beginner
HIGH LEG MA CH
Lift one leg up, raising
your knee just above 90°,
ensuring to keep you back
staight and eyes pointed
forward. Alternate legs
and repeat.
LUNGE
Step onto the centre of the
board and lower your back
leg until knee touches the
ground. Lift up, switch legs
and repeat.
GLUTE KICK BACK
While keeping a good
heads-up posture, balance
one leg and slowly raise the
other leg behind you. Return
to center, switch legs
and repeat.
Intermediate
OBLIQUE LIFT
Place hip gently in the
centre of the board and lift
one or both legs. Hold
briefly and repeat. Use
your arm for support and
balance.
CO E T AINING
Sit in the middle of the board
in a balanced position, heels
on the floor in front of you.
Lift your knee to your chest
and hold. Alternate legs.
For more advanced users,
keep your heels off the floor.
A M LEG BALANCE
Kneel on the floor with both
your hands balancing on the
board. At the same time, lift
the opposite arm and leg,
and hold, engaging core and
back muscles. Alternate arm
and leg.
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Advanced
SINGLE LEG SQUAT
Place one foot in the centre
of the Soft Board. Raise the
other knee up, while
maintaining balance.
Do equal repetitions on both
legs focusing on keeping
your abdominals firm.
GLUTE AISE
Laying flat on your back with
both knees bent and feet on
the Soft Board.
Extend one leg straight out
and raise hips as high as
you can. Keep core straight,
by ensuring your knees,
hips and head are in a
straight line.
BALANCED B IDGE
Place forearms on board,
and extend legs behind you.
Keep body in a straight line,
and hold.
Maneuver from side to side
or front to back for an added
challenge.
PUSH UPS
Start with wrists centered on
each board. Use caution -
wrists must be in full flexion
position.
Try one foot to increase
challenge.
LUNGES
Begin with your front foot on
a single Weeble Board.
Lunge forward until your
front knee reaches 90º.
Add weights to increase
challenge.
WEIGHTED SQUAT
Perform a squat while
attempting to keep the
edges of the Boards from
touching the floor.
Weeble Boards
Advanced
11
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BALANCED PUSH UPS
rip the two ends of the
board, making sure to keep
your fingers clear of the
roller to avoid pinching.
Keep the board under your
chest and lower yourself
down to the board level in
a slow, controlled manner.
Try one foot to increase
challenge.
HEEL-TOE OCK
Placing your heel against
the edge of the low end of
the resting board and your
toe against the edge of the
end, slowly shift your hips
forward and rock the board
up onto the roller.
Switch your feet and train
both sides.
SQUATS
With a wide, balanced
stance slowly bend knees
while keeping back
upright to enter a
squat position.
Keep your line of sight on
the horizon; do not look at
your feet.
Always use your balance
board with caution.
SITTING LEG LIFT
Engage your core muscle
group by lifting one leg and
holding. Alternate legs.
Ensure to keep your spine
straight and a heads-up
posture.
STANDING
Step carefully onto the
board and try to keep the
deck flat. Start with feet on
the blue grip tape (narrow
stance) and advance to the
black grip tape (wide
stance).
HIP B IDGE
Place one foot in the centre
of the board. Engage your
core and glutes to raise hips
off the floor, keeping your
back stright. Alternate legs.
Bongo Board & Extreme Balance Board Pro
Beginner
Intermediate
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CO E OTATION
rip the ends of the board
with both feet on the
ground. Rotate the deck
right and left, a similar
action to steering a car.
Increase the challenge by
lifting your leg or switching
your grip.
ADVACED MOTO SKILL T AINING
Perform many of the previous exercises while holding, bouncing
or catching an exercise ball or while performing another
dynamic activity. These actions help enhance hand-eye
coordination and subconscious reaction.
WALKING
Start out balanced on the
board, facing the direction
you want to travel. Pivot
one end of the board
forward by shifting your
weight, then plant it on the
ground. Switch sides and
repeat. To advance this
move, pivot 180°.
OLLIE
Place your back foot on the
kicktail of the board and
your front foot near the
middle. Squat, so you can
spring yourself up, then kick
your back foot onto the
ground and jump off of it.
The front end of the board
will pop up and while you
ascend with it, slide your
front foot forward to level
out the board. Land.
SPINNING/MANUAL
Start by balancing one of the
spheres of the board. Slowly
spin 180°, working your way
up to a full 360° turn.
Board ock
Advanced
13
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Balance Applications
Staying Upright in a Wobbly World
Research is showing that movement is essential to retaining
your health as you age. Doing exercise to build strength
and enhance balance is an important complement to
maintaining cardiovascular fitness through aerobic
movement.
Mayo Clinic omen’s Health Source
Active Standing
Add the element of Balance Training to your everyday
environment by incorporating Active Standing into your day.
At home or at the office, a Balance Board can be used while
at a desk or while watching TV. Through regular use you will
feel the benefits of stronger ankles and core, improved
proprioception, have better balance and feel more confident.
The Ideal Footrest
When used as a footrest, an adjustable height Balance Board
allows dynamic movement of your legs and feet so they won’t
get tired from being in the same position for hours. Footrest
height should be set to allow your hips and knees to be at
90° angle. When Balance Boards are combined with an
Exercise Ball Chair or Sitting Disc, you will see improvements
in balance, core stability and leg strength.
Age Gracefully
Approximately 1/3 of people over 65 experience a fall each
year, with 1 in 20 falls resulting in serious injuries like hip,
wrist or forearm fractures. Much of the decline in balance
can be reversed through a program of balance training. One
study found that healthy people as old as 90 years old can
reduce the tendency to fall by 50% through balance training.
Sherri Kwasnicki, Fitness Columnist,
The Province, Vancouver, BC
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ehab & unning
“Balance Board training can dramatically improve the
strength and coordination of all the key muscles involved in
running. This should help you avoid injuries - and make you
a considerably more powerful runner."
alt Reynolds, C.S.C.S. - Running Research News,
December 1998
Performance
“Like anything else, balance is a skill”, said John
Blievernicht, President of Sports Health C.A.R.E. Inc., a
Chicago medical rehabilitation clinic. “And like any other
skill, you’ve got to constantly practice it to preserve it ... After
a while, (balance) exercises awaken reflexes and teach body
awareness and control on a subconscious level. This can
translate into lasting improvements in posture and overall
quality of movement”, Mr. Blievernicht added, “regardless
of age”.
Liz Neporent, New York Times, January 1999
Athletic Training
“We have found your products to be high quality and
something the players find fun, challenging and enjoy
using. Thanks for helping to keep us healthy, strong and
ready to play.”
Jerry Attaway, Physical Development Coordinator,
San Francisco Forty-Niners Football Club
5-time Superbowl Champions
15
Balance is The Essence of Movement.
Movement is The Essence of Life.
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fitter1.com | 1.800.fitter1
/Fitterfirst @fitterfirst
@fitterfirst /FitterInternational
Fitter International Inc.
3050 - 2600 Portland St. S.E.
Calgary, Alberta, Canada T2 4M6
Our Commitment To You
Our product guarantee assures you
100% satisfaction. If it’s not right,
we’ll do our best to make it right!
Our friendly, helpful team will always
do our best to make your experience
with Fitterfirst a pleasant one.
Disclaimer/Warning - The products presented are
designed to challenge and improve your balance
skills. When using this equipment, you must
accept full responsibility for the risk of injury to
yourself and to others. Please read and fully
understand all instructions before using these
products. Remember, the best protection from
injury is a little common sense!
06.2018 | PRINTED IN CANADA
pToll Free: 1.800.348.8371
f Toll Free: 1.866.250.8824
e[email protected]
www.fitter1.com
Extreme Balance Board used in cross training with BodyBlade®
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