Balance boards are excellent exercise devices. They can help to improve your balance, stability and core strength as well as exercise and tone leg muscles. Commercially available boards can be quite expensive, but in a few hours of work you can build your own balance board and save a substantial amount of money.
Balance Board
Step 1
Align the two plywood strips on the underside at each end of the large sheet of plywood. Drill three holes through the strips into the large sheet of plywood as guide holes for wood screws.
Step 2
Spread wood glue over both surfaces (the strips and the large sheet) and press them together.
Step 3
Screw three wood screws into each strip to secure the strips on the large sheet. Wipe off any excess glue, and allow the glue to dry overnight.
Step 4
Place the rounded template on each corner of the board and trace the outline onto the corners of the board. Your goal is to make rounded corners.
Step 5
Cut along the tracing to round off each corner of the board.
Step 6
Sand or file down the edges and top of the board until they are smooth.
Step 7
Coat the board top with several coats of varnish. Allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next coat.
Roller
Step 1
Cut the dowel or pipe to 24 inches in length.
Step 2
Sand or file down the rough edges of the dowel or pipe.
Step 3
Wrap the dowel or pipe in friction tape (three pieces evenly spaced).
Step 4
Simply lay the board on top of the roller and stand on the board to use.
Tips and Warnings
- You can add friction tape to the top of the board to ensure a nonslip surface to stand on.
- Always clear the area around you when you utilize the balance board to minimize risk from falling injuries.
Things You'll Need
- Plywood sheet, 48 by 24 by 3/4 inches
- 2 strips of plywood 2 by 24 by 3/4 inches
- Saw
- CD, cup or other rounded object
- Electric drill/screwdriver
- 1-inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Rasp/sandpaper
- Varnish/paint and paintbrush
- 4-inch dowel or drain pipe
- Friction tape
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