If you love the feel of surfing, or just want to look like someone who does, a new trend hoping to take off in a gym near you is a balance board that simulates catching a wave.
The Indo Board Balance Trainer, which will be a part of the upcoming IDEA World Conference trade show in San Diego, California, relies on a device that works your core while simulating surfing or paddle boarding. The US-designed wooden board balances on a roller, with users encouraged to "ride" it with bare feet.
Group fitness classes using the board are part of the package, which includes a series of arm and leg exercises as well as lifting weights or kettle balls while perched atop the board. Or once you get really good, you can up the ante by performing skateboard-style tricks. Watch a few samples: www.youtube.com/watch?v=s8Bfc2aZPKo.
Germany has its own version -- the Sensoboard is a unique balance board that reduces the pivot area to one point, with the aim of more closely simulating the challenge of your favorite board sport. While performing basic exercises on the board, such as arm exercises or squats (or even just standing for true beginners), the device claims to train balance, reflexes, coordination, and core strength -- and improve your skill when out in the water or snow.
Plenty of other manufacturers offer balance training devices, from stability balls and wobble boards to rubber balance discs and rocker boards, but these new boards take it even further by offering an even more unstable and unpredictable ride.
Watch an instructional video on the Indo Board: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUVVVXI5nRM
