An Indo Board is a type of balance trainer made of an oval-shaped board, with bumpers on the bottom, which is placed on top of a tube-shaped roller. To use the board, stand on the oval board and rock back and forth on the roller, maintaining your balance in the process. Indo boards are expensive, with most models averaging around $125. An inexpensive Indo Board can be made at home from a few simple hand and power tools and supplies available from your local home improvement center.
Board Construction
Step 1
Trim a sheet of newspaper to 20-by-30 inches. Fold the sheet into quarters. Draw a curved line from one corner along the outer edge of the sheet to the opposite corner. Cut along the curved line with scissors. Unfold the newspaper. This will be your cutting pattern.
Step 2
Measure across the width of the plywood board on both ends and make a mark at each halfway point. Use the carpenter's square to draw a straight line between the marks. Measure across the length of the board on both sides and make a mark at each halfway point. Use the carpenter's square to draw a straight line between these marks. These lines locate the center point on the board.
Step 3
Tape the pattern to the center of the plywood board. Trace a line around the edge of the pattern with the pencil onto the plywood sheet. Remove the pattern. Cut along the line with the jigsaw.
Step 4
Measure 2 inches in along the length center line from either end of the plywood oval. Make a mark at each point. Use the carpenter's square to draw lines from those marks to the sides of the board that are perpendicular to the center line.
Step 5
Glue a strip of wood, 1/2 inch-by-2-by-20 inches to either end of the plywood oval so the inner edge of the board aligns with the newly drawn lines. Clamp the boards in place and allow the glue to dry.
Step 6
Trim away the portions of the glued boards that extend beyond the plywood oval with the jigsaw. Sand the boards and plywood oval to smooth the edges. The boards form the bumpers on the bottom of the plywood oval.
Step 7
Combine one cup of fast-drying polyurethane with a small quantity of non-skid additive in a disposable plastic cup. Paint the mixture onto the upper surface of the plywood oval. Allow the polyurethane to dry thoroughly.
Roller Construction
Step 1
Cut the PVC pipe with a hacksaw to 18 inches in length.
Step 2
Attach a strip of friction tape around both ends of the pipe. Trim the tape to fit using the razor knife. Attach another strip around the center of the pipe in a similar manner.
Step 3
Insert the flush end-caps into the ends of the pipe.
Tips and Warnings
- To slow down the action of your balance board, add several cups of dry sand to the pipe before you insert the pipe end caps.
- Balance boards require some practice. To start using the board, try balancing some support to hold you up or a person to spot you in case you lose your balance.
Things You'll Need
- Sheet of newspaper
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Scissors
- Carpenter's square
- 1/2-inch thickness plywood sheet 20-by-30 inches
- Jigsaw
- 2 wooden boards, 1/2-by-2-by-20 inches
- Wood glue
- Clamps
- Sand paper
- Quick drying polyurethane
- Non--skid additive
- Paint brush
- Disposable plastic cup
- Hacksaw
- PVC pipe, 6-inch diameter, 18 inches long
- Friction tape
- Razor knife
- Pipe end caps
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