Balance Training

Balance training materials help you improve your balance, coordination and stability in an effective and versatile way. A strong foundation in balance and stability reduces the risk of injuries, improves your posture and makes you more functional in sport and daily life. The range runs from Bosu balls and balance domes to luxury balance boards with water resistance.

The category is suitable for beginners who want to start with balance training in a low-threshold way, advanced athletes who want to challenge their training with unstable surfaces and athletes in rehabilitation who want to build up proprioception and stability. The main selection criteria are the type of material, the desired intensity of the balance stimulus and whether the product is intended for home or professional use. Combine balance training with dumbbells or kettlebells for a complete functional strength training.

Balance training is often underestimated, but it is one of the most functional forms of training you can add to your routine. A strong foundation in balance and stability protects your joints, improves your posture and makes you more functional in virtually every sport and daily activity. By training on an unstable surface you activate the small stabilising muscles that are barely engaged during regular strength training.

The instability forces your core, hips and ankles to constantly make corrections. That makes balance training effective for both injury prevention and rehabilitation after ankle, knee or hip complaints. But also for athletes who want to improve their performance or train with more variety, balance training is a valuable addition.

Which type of balance training material suits you?

The right choice depends on your training goal, experience level and how you want to use the material. The following scenarios help you quickly find the right direction.

You want to start with balance training in a low-threshold way: Choose balance pods or a simple balance board. Balance pods are small semi-round discs you place under your feet during standing exercises such as squats or shoulder presses. They activate the stabilisers without needing separate balance exercises. Ideal as an entry point.

You want to specifically train your ankles, knees and core: Choose a balance board. The board tilts in all directions and directly trains the proprioceptors in ankles and knees. Effective for injury prevention and rehabilitation and widely applicable from standing exercises to push-up variations.

You are looking for maximum training challenge or want to combine balance training with strength training: Choose a Bosu ball or balance dome. The semi-round platform offers many exercise possibilities: squats, lunges, push-ups, planks and dynamic jump exercises. Combine your Bosu with dumbbells or kettlebells for intensive functional strength training.

You are looking for premium balance training with aesthetic design for home or office: Choose a NOHrD Eau-Me balance board with water resistance. The water reservoir creates a fluid, continuous balance stimulus that is different and more challenging than a static board. The finish in various types of wood also makes it valuable as a design object in a living space or work environment.

You want to use balance training in a physiotherapy practice or rehabilitation setting: Choose professional models with sufficient maximum user load and a precisely adjustable balance stimulus. Balance training on an unstable surface is widely used in rehabilitation after ankle, knee and hip injuries. Always consult your physiotherapist to determine which type of balance training and which intensity is appropriate.

Which exercises can you do with balance training material?

Balance training material is widely applicable for a broad range of exercises. The most popular are:

• Squats and lunges on a balance board or Bosu ball for leg training with an extra stability requirement
• Push-ups with hands on the Bosu for increased core activation and shoulder stability
• Planks and side planks on the unstable surface for more intensive core training
• Single-leg standing on balance board or pods for ankle proprioception and rehabilitation
• Shoulder press and biceps curl standing on balance pods for increased core stability
• Dynamic jump exercises on the flat side of the Bosu for explosiveness training
• Dead bugs and bird dogs on the round side of the Bosu for deep core training

What to look for when buying?

Type of balance stimulus

Balance boards and pods provide a targeted stimulus for ankles and knees. A Bosu ball offers more variety and higher training intensity. A water-filled balance board gives the most fluid and continuous stimulus. Choose the type that suits your training goal and experience level.

Maximum user load

Always check the maximum user load, especially with dynamic exercises with extra weight or with jumps. Choose a model with a generous margin above your own bodyweight for safe use.

Anti-slip and stability

A good balance product has a firm anti-slip treatment on the training surface and stable feet on the underside. This prevents slipping during intensive exercises and protects your floor.

Durability and material

Pay attention to material quality. High-quality balance products are made of impact-resistant PVC, wood or plastic that can withstand intensive use. When in doubt always choose a solid model from an A-brand.

Who is balance training material suitable for?

• Beginners who want to start with proprioception and stability work in a low-threshold way as a supplement to their training.
• Advanced athletes who want to challenge their training with unstable surfaces and functional strength exercises.
• Athletes in rehabilitation who want to specifically build up proprioception and stability after an ankle, knee or hip injury.
• Team sport and martial arts athletes who change direction quickly and benefit from better joint control.
• Physiotherapy practices and rehabilitation centres that want to offer their patients effective stability and proprioception exercises.
• Office and home users looking for an elegant solution for active standing and light core activation while working.

Need help with your choice?

We will be happy to help you. You can reach our fitness specialists by phone on +31 (0)413-256800, send an email or visit our store in Volkel, the Netherlands.

Frequently asked questions about balance training material

Is balance training also suitable for rehabilitation?

Yes, balance training is widely used in rehabilitation after ankle, knee and hip injuries. The unstable surface activates the small stabilising muscles and improves proprioception — the ability of your body to feel and correct the position of joints. Always consult your physiotherapist to determine which type and intensity is appropriate for your situation.

What makes the NOHrD Eau-Me balance boards different?

The NOHrD Eau-Me balance boards contain a water reservoir that creates a fluid and continuous balance stimulus. The water moves with your weight shifts, giving a more dynamic training impulse than a static balance board. They also stand out through their high-quality finish in various types of wood, making them a design object that fits in a living space or office.

What is the difference between a balance board and balance pods?

A balance board is a flat platform on a round or semi-round base on which you stand with both feet. It tilts in all directions and trains ankles, knees and core in a targeted way. Balance pods are smaller semi-round discs you place under your feet during standing exercises, activating stabilising muscles while you train normally.

For which sports is balance training most useful?

Balance training is useful for virtually all sports where stability and coordination play a role. It is particularly valuable for football, basketball, skiing, surfing, tennis, running and martial arts where rapid direction changes and weight shifts are central. But also for strength athletes, balance training improves technique and reduces injury risk.