The BOSU Balance Trainer is best described as exercise equipment that heightens the challenge of achieving and maintaining balance and stability. BOSU stands for "both sides utilized"—you can use the BOSU Balance Trainer on the flat side or the dome side. This trainer is perfect for anyone who is looking to enhance balance or improve muscle strength. Let's take a closer look at how to get the most out of your BOSU Balance Trainer.
Inflating this device is surprisingly easy. All you have to do is tip the platform so it is on its side. Press the center portion of the vinyl. Hold the valve's housing where it is. Place the pump nozzle into the valve and start inflating. Inflate until the dome reaches 10 inches in height and feels firm. Position the plug in the valve.
The BOSU system can be positioned on any type of surface as long as it is level. In general, wood, rubber or low-pile flooring will be optimal. If you are exercising on wood or another hard surface, consider adding a mat or even a folded towel to serve as extra padding. This padding will prove especially helpful when the knees and hands contact the floor.
Athletic footwear will make the workout that much easier. Your workout sneakers should be clean and void of any abrasive material that has the potential to end up on the vinyl dome. The ideal footwear will reduce the chances of slipping. If the workout does not require dynamic movements, it might be possible to complete it while barefoot. Though plenty of people enjoy BOSU workouts in such a manner, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry by wearing athletic footwear.
Never stand on the dome when wearing socks. There is a good chance you will slip unless you wear sneakers. The general rule of thumb is to avoid clothing that slides with ease. Opt for comfortable clothing that does not slip, especially when in a supine or side-lying position and you will be able to move without hesitation.
The BOSU Balance Trainer can be inflated and deflated with ease. This makes it that much easier to store one or several units in your vehicle or elsewhere. The dome should be deflated if the Balance Trainer is stored in a vehicle. Excessive heat has the potential to damage the dome if it is inflated or left directly in the sun. Even a hot environment like a car trunk can damage the dome. You can certainly use a deformed dome yet it might not have the same balance as it used to.
In the context of group fitness classes, BOSU Balance Trainers can be stacked three or four high. Upwards of 14 completely inflated units can be stored on a rolling storage cart. You can store your Balance Trainer against the wall or stack it in several other configurations. Just be sure to avoid positioning your BOSU Balance Trainer directly beneath the sun and other sources of heat when fully inflated.
When storing or transporting the Balance Trainer, handle it with extreme care. Do not carelessly stack it against other unit. If you drop the Balance Trainer, its clamp that connects the dome to the base or the rigid platform might be damaged so be sure to take a close look to gauge its integrity.
The BOSU Balance Trainer is made with strong vinyl. In fact, this material has been tested to resist bursts all the way up to 2,800 pounds. If properly inflated and contact with sharp objects is avoided, this amazing physical fitness device will prove functional for years, if not decades to come.
Like every other surface, the Balance Trainer will eventually become slippery if exposed to enough sweat or other forms of moisture. You can avoid slips and falls by wearing high-quality sneakers. Make use of a hand towel to absorb moisture during your training sessions and classes. Wipe all the moisture away from the dome and surrounding spaces to minimize the risk of a slip. Keep the surface dry and you will not hesitate to go all out when training. You can clean the Balance Trainer with mild soap and water.
The proper use of the BOSU Balance Trainer hinges on the availability of space. Each user should have ample space to lie prone in a side-lying or supine position atop the dome. You should be able to step away in any direction without risk. All in all, this amount of space is about 12-16 square feet.
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