Balance trainers, also known as BOSU, are a terrific and easy way to
get fit. It is an alternative method of exercise that is both fun and
easy to do.
BOSU - An Alternative Way To Get
Fit
by S.E. Odom
You may have seen them in the gym: half of a
large rubber ball that's flat on one side. They're often blue in color
and look like a gigantic outtie belly button. "What are those things?"
you wonder. Well they're BOSU balls (or balance trainers). It's the
latest rave to hit fitness centers across America.
BOSU is an acronym that stands for "Both
Sides Up". You can use the balls, also referred to as trainers, or
balance trainers, on either side. Whether the rounded bouncy dome part
is up or the flat 25 inch platform side is up, you'll get different
types of balance challenges.
This cross-training fitness invention has
its origins in the field of medicine, balance, functional and sports
specific training. It offers a different means to make exercise more
appealing and effective for average people, fitness fanatics and highly
trained athletes.
So what do you do with it? You can walk,
run, step, hop, jump and leap on the BOSU trainer. You can work it at
an easy steady rate-pace that can be maintained for long periods or
push the intensity with anaerobic intervals. Or do some stretching on
it. Active stretches use the muscles of the body to move a body part
whereas passive stretching uses gravity or an outside force to put
stretch-tension on the target muscle(s). While standing or kneeling on
the dome, you can move the upper body lower, higher, to the sides or by
reaching for and picking up cards from various locations on the floor,
or by touching and/or relocating cones that have been placed in close
proximity to the dome. It's great for working your trunk too.
Maintaining spinal alignment is important to low back health and sports
performance.
Many sports teams use BOSU training too.
Says Bennie Wylie, Assistant Strength Coach of the Dallas Cowboys "I
implement the BOSU trainer during our off-season program for core
strength training and rehabilitation of ankle and knee problems. It is
a great piece of equipment and gives us an important extra dimension to
our overall fitness program. Almost all of the players use the BOSU
trainer in some fashion on a regular basis."
So the next time you overhear a conversation
in the grocery store or your friend tells you that she's going to the
5:30 p.m. BOSU class at the Y, you'll know what they're talking about.
Better yet, give it a try yourself!
About the Author
The Samadhi Group Inc is dedicated to
conscious and abundant living. Stop by TheSamadhiGroup.com today for
your complimentary Scent of Samadhi sample.
BOSU
is a fun way to exercise. Why lift weights or participate in strenuous
aerobics classes when you can BOSU.
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