A balance board, sometimes also called a wobble board, can help to improve your balance and reduce the risk of injuries. The human body has sensors called proprioceptors which help to prevent you from getting injured. These sensors work by keeping our body parts in line as they're supposed to be, and the proprioceptors can be damaged when, for instance, you sprain your ankle. Using a balance board can help repair these sensors and reduce the risk of spraining your ankle again. There are several different ways to build your own balance board, but the process usually requires basic tools and building materials found at any home improvement store.
Step 1
Cut the cardboard material to a size of 30 by 20 inches using either a razor blade or a pair of scissors.
Step 2
Use the measuring tape and pencil to divide the freshly cut cardboard material into fourths. You should now have four equal rectangles drawn on the cardboard material.
Step 3
Draw an elliptical shape on the cardboard material by using the previously drawn center lines as guides; try to be as accurate as possible, but it doesn't have to be perfect. This will be used as the template for cutting the plywood. Alternatively, you can use a drawing compass to make a more accurate ellipse on the cardboard material.
Step 4
Tape the cardboard template onto the sheet of plywood using the masking tape. It's best to use a corner of the plywood in order to create the least amount of scrap wood possible.
Step 5
Cut the plywood along the outline of the cardboard template. You may use a wood saw, router or jigsaw to make the cut.
Step 6
Sand the plywood base's edges to remove any rough edges.
Step 7
Cut two 2-by-20 inch strips of plywood to be used as the bumpers. Glue each strip flush with each end of the ellipse and clamp down until dried. Cut off the excess wood along the shape of the base once dried, and sand until each bumper is smooth with the curves of the balance board. These bumpers will help the pipe from escaping beneath the balance board during use; it's an important safety feature.
Step 8
Apply three strips of friction tape to the pipe--one strip in the center, and the other two strips about 2 inches from each end of the pipe. This will provide better grip when the balance board is placed on top.
Step 9
Put non-skid tape or a similarly type of material on the top of the balance board to provide additional grip when using it.
Tips and Warnings
- Use a router for all of the plywood cuts for increased accuracy. Instead of gluing the bumpers to the bottom of the balance board, you can alternatively use two or three 1-nch screws to secure the bumpers to the base. This will help speed up the build process because you won't have to wait for the glue to dry. You may paint the balance board for an even smoother finish if desired.
- Do not use a balance board if you are obese, pregnant, or have a disorder affecting your balance. Discontinue use if you feel dizzy or nauseous.
Things You'll Need
- One large sheet of cardboard or similarly thick material
- Pencil/measuring tape
- Razor blade or scissors
- Carpenter's square
- Masking tape
- One standard-sized 5/8 inch sheet of plywood
- Wood saw
- 120 grit sandpaper
- Wood glue
- Two Clamps
- 18 inch long hard plastic pipe between four and six inches in diameter
- Roll of friction tape
- Adhesive non-skid tape or mat
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