Balance boards, which are also referred to as wobble boards, can help to improve your balance and strengthen your leg muscles at the same time. Your body has sensors called proprioceptors, which aid in preventing injuries caused by the bending of body parts in ways they're not designed to bend. The proprioceptors can be damaged, which is why, for instance, those who sprain their ankles do so over and over again. A balance board can help repair these sensors and stop this repeating pattern of injury. Building a wobble board requires basic tools and building materials found at any home improvement store.
Step 1
Find the center of the plywood, and tap a nail into this location just far enough to hold the nail in place.
Step 2
Wrap the string around the nail head and a pencil to form a 12-inch radius. Draw a circle around the nail, making sure to keep the string taut the entire time. This will create a perfect circle with a 24-inch diameter.
Step 3
Cut out the circle using the jigsaw. Once cut out, use sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the newly formed circular piece of plywood.
Step 4
Draw a four-inch diameter circle in the center of the board by using the same nail, string and pencil setup you used in Step 2. Remove the nail.
Step 5
Attach the pipe flange and cap assembly to the board using the previously drawn four-inch diameter circle for reference. Drill pilot holes into the bottom of the wood base and then fasten five screws equally spaced around the pipe flange. Install the cap onto the end of the pipe if not already attached.
Step 6
Put non-skid tape or a similar type of material on the top of the balance board to provide additional grip when using it.
Tips and Warnings
- You may can a router or wood saw to cut the plywood if you do not have access to a jigsaw. You can 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
- 5/8-inch thick plywood 2 x 2 feet long
- Nail
- Hammer
- 2 feet of string
- Pencil
- Jigsaw
- 120 grit sandpaper
- Power drill with bits
- 4-inch diameter pipe flange and cap
- Five, half-inch screws
- Adhesive non-skid tape or mat
