Review –What am I thinking? I have never played skateboarding, surfing or doing gymnastics a day in my life. But here I am, learning how to use the skill board balance trainer to improve my balance ability. I might be crazy. My friends, we are facing our fears through this review. To review!
What is it?
The skill board balance training device is a balance training tool.
What’s in the box?
The skill board offers two board sizes and a bunch of accessories and bundles. My test kit comes with a standard size plate with a grip belt, a large skill ball and an air pump.
Hardware specifications
- The original skill board (tested here) is 36.5″x19.5″ (93x50cm)
- The diameter of the big ball is 9 inches (23 cm)-similar to a regular football
- Boards and balls are rated up to 300 lbs (136 kg)
Design and features
The skill board is a beautifully crafted and sturdy equipment. It is made of maple plywood and has 8 layers of laminate, similar to a skateboard. View the beautiful wood grain from the bottom of the board.
You can smooth the board or choose to add a grip belt. Grip tape is a rough surface, and the Skills Committee recommends wearing shoes with tape. If you like walking barefoot, you can make it smooth. I have been using boards, with grip tape, paired with sneakers or socks.
Your surfboard is equipped with a durable inflatable ball. When you stand on it to develop your balance, it will be under the board. If you are not ready for the ball, there are other options available, which we will discuss below.
You will also get an air pump with a pressure gauge. This is very important for your training. If you don’t know what you are doing, you don’t want to fully inflate to start.
The skill committee recommends that you start with a lower air pressure (2-3 PSI) to prevent sudden movements from being reduced. As your condition improves, you can start adding more air.
You will set up the board as shown below. When you start using it, you can also use a carpeted surface to reduce sudden movements until you get used to it.
Putting that ball under the board will introduce a full range of motion, which can quickly become crazy. Skill Board also sells a “Wobble Cushion” (a doughnut-shaped inflatable disk), which introduces a full range of motion in a more manageable packaging, or a cylinder that allows a shaft (from one side to the other) One side) feel comfortable before you dive in. I am using one of my foam rollers below.
Then you ran away. I started with the foam roller. You install the circuit board from one side and step on your foot…
…Then you put your other foot there and start working.
The goal is to first simply maintain balance on the board, and then slowly introduce lateral movement, rocking back and forth while maintaining balance. It doesn’t sound that bad, does it?
good. When you get the ball, the situation changes.
Adding a ball will introduce a full range of motion on the X and Y axis. You will stay up all night harder and need some practice to reach your goals. When you step on the blackboard for the first time, you will feel it immediately.
Here, I put myself in a good position…
Look! success! That expression may be surprised. This may be fear. But here we are!
Performance
Before we talk about performance and my experience, it is important to note that skill boards are not for everyone. If you are not careful, this device may introduce sudden movements, which may result in injury. This is an exercise of patience and perseverance. But I find that the reward is worth it.
I started playing on the board with my scroll wheel to feel it. Then I switched to the ball, always making sure that there was a solid object near me to stabilize myself. I will start from 5 minutes a day and gradually increase to 15-20 minutes because I have gained more balance and confidence.
Progressive progress is the key here. In the first few days, I found myself shaking and shaking everywhere. I spent a lot of time putting my hands on solid objects to prevent falls. Then I will try to relax for a few seconds and focus on staying upright. After a few weeks, I started to get better at maintaining my balance, and I could even perform small movements.
I even found a clever way to incorporate the skill board into my daily work at home.
I definitely feel my balance is getting better and better, even after just a few weeks, I can feel the improvement. Although I was still using a lower PSI to get some help, I became more stable and more confident on the board. I will get there eventually; it’s all about the journey and stay safe during the process.
Balance is not the only benefit. There is some serious work here! After training, you will feel it on your ankles, calves, hips and core. It does exercise a lot of muscles that you are not used to, so I feel stronger.
Athletes, skateboarders, and surfers may jump to more difficult moves, but I suggest you check out some accessories that are suitable for novices like me to get into the skill board easily. For example, if I start again, I will start from the Wobble Board. Skill Board also sells a variety of options, including balls of different sizes, edge guards to protect your floor from board impact, and travel suitcases.
what do I like
- Robust construction that meets the intended purpose
- Regular use will produce measurable results
- Ideal for core and lower body work
Areas for improvement
- Can be dangerous; be cautious and safe when improving your skills
- If you are not familiar with such things, I strongly recommend you to check out some starter accessories
Final thoughts
I really like the skill board as an alternative exercise tool, it can produce a very different exercise and performance experience. The athlete will immediately see the value. It is perfect for developing your balance, lower body and core. It is also easy to grab and use here and there for a few minutes; when not in use, you can store it under almost any closet or bed (or sofa). Just have patience, persistence and safety!
Price: Pricing depends on your choice. The basic kit (like the one I tested) retails for $158.00. The “mini” travel version starts at $148.00. The price of accessories ranges from US$9.99 to US$19.99.A bundle is provided, which contains almost all accessories, and the price is US$204.00
Where to buy: go Visit the Skills Council website with Amazon
source: The sample of this product is made by American Skills Council.
