Meeting with clients who have different body types, I can say that pains and aches do not exclusively come from rigidity and a lack of movement. Hyper-flexible people experience significant challenges too.
These include joint instability, aches and pains, repetitive sprains and strains and the risk of early osteoarthritis.
The physical practice of yoga tends to be perceived as aiming exclusively at improving flexibility. However Yoga can also help hyper-flexible people when the postures (yoga asanas) are practiced slowly and mindfully with a focus on alignment, stability and avoiding practicing to the end-range of motion. The practice of Pilates can help too.
Recently I have been playing and experimenting with balancing boards, they are fun! Practicing just a few minutes per day brings many benefits pretty quickly.
BENEFITS OF USING BALANCING BOARDS:
- Vestibular system stimulation (the sensory system that allows spatial orientation);
- Improved joint stability by mobilising deep stabiliser muscles;
- Better core strength;
- Enhanced proprioception (the body’s ability to sense its position, movement, and orientation in space without relying on vision);
- Full body workout.
- Balancing boards can be beneficial for injury or post operative rehabilitation.
Now I can almost hear some of you saying, well this is interesting Alain, but can you walk the talk now? So here it is:
There are different types of boards. In my view the best for beginners is the circular wobble board. The one that I am using is the cylinder type. Below are links to different models:
TIPS FOR USING BALANCING BOARDS:
- To make it easier and safer it is important to use a yoga mat or to practice on a carpeted floor as soft floor surfaces slow-down the movements of the cylinder, ball or round surface of your balancing board (not necessary if you practice with a wobbly cushion under your board).
- Use a support to prevent falls until you master it, I like to stand facing close to wall bars;
- Barefoot is best because it provides better sensory information and workout;
- Start by lowering your center of gravity by bending the knees;
- Extend your arms so they act like a balancing pole;
- Start with just a few minutes per day; in my experience practicing just 3 to 5 minutes and regularly is more than enough to feel the benefits and make good quick progress;
- While you are balancing play the sound of the ocean on your music system 🙂
- Have Fun!