features
Specifier: Balancing act
Developing good balance is a fundamental part of any training programme. Steph Eaves looks at a selection of training products
Our Reax Board is a smart platform with Sudden Dynamic Impulse technology and 3D motion that performs random and unexpected inclinations in every direction, forcing the user to constantly adapt their balance to achieve better balance and neuroreactive training.
The training also improves proprioception and the acquisition of dynamic motor skills.
All exercises are more challenging on the Reax Board, as users can’t predict the type and intensity of the movement, so their brains are forced to build up new motor skills, as well as faster reactions.
It also enables them to respond more effectively to unforeseen events.
Each movement requires a higher level of muscle activation and nervous system engagement, resulting in greater energy consumption, while amplifying metabolic, sensory and nervous activity.
Standard exercises, when performed under unstable and unpredictable conditions, become more effective and much more intense: all the muscles involved during the exercise are activated and the focus must be on remaining steady, improving coordination and reaction rate.
The Reax Board is part of a range of proprioceptive, cognitive and neurofunctional equipment that enables operators to offer training that accelerates mind-body training results.
More: www.reaxing.com
We recently launched a training tool that makes the benefits of balance training on a slackline more accessible and portable. We call it the SlackBoard or the GiBoard.
It’s an innovative and fun balance trainer that combines the sport of slacklining with a unique functional design for those looking to achieve a meaningful approach to expanding movement capabilities, body reshaping and mind strengthening.
The balance trainer is the brainchild of Robert Kaeding, CEO and founder of Gibbon and his wife Caroline Kaeding DPT, founder of SlackLine Therapy, both based in Germany. Gibbon has been the pioneer of slackline balance training for more than 15 years and helped to turn slacklining into a widely recognised sport.
he creator’s vision is to bring the ultimate in balance training to everyone, everywhere and the market for the SlackBoard is vast. It’s been a huge success with kids because it turns balance training into a playful session and it’s big within the slackline community because now they can practise anytime, anywhere.
It’s also been eagerly adopted by personal trainers and fitness studios, with many health clubs now teaching SlackFit classes and has been adopted by the strength and conditioning population due to its versatility and vibration benefits for superior athletic improvements.
More: www.gibbon-uk.com
Balance Simulator features interactive computer analytics with real-time audiovisual feedback. Users can monitor progress with the built-in tracker and enhance their experience with wireless TV connectivity.
The Simulator accelerates the development of balancing skills and core strength, making it perfect when it comes to training for sports such as skating, skiing, surfing, boxing and football. The interactive app includes rehabilitation exercises.
Switching between training levels is simple – the user just has to flip the board. In beginner mode, it pivots side to side, while in advanced mode, it swivels in all directions. Each balancing activity offers three progressive settings – beginner, intermediate and expert – and users are guided from one level to the next.
These pre-set simulations aren’t fixed and users have the freedom to modify each exercise to suit their needs, providing flexibility in crafting balance workouts tailored to specific sporting requirements.
The simulator was developed to address the need for a measurable method of developing balance before attempting sports that require it. Users experience a natural and rapid transition from beginner to expert.
