Balance Board

A  balance/wobble board is a good way to improve balance, as well as stretch and strengthen ankles. It's also a great and fun way for small kids to develop their motor skills.

Here are some ideas:
Wobble forward and backward or side to side.
Try with your eyes closed.
Stand on one leg. (carefully!)
Balance a book on your head while wobbling.
Try all of the above (very carefully!)
Play catch with someone while standing on the wobble board.
Time yourself to see how long you can keep your balance without an edge touching the floor.


Common sense woodworking rules apply. Be safe, read and follow the safety guidlines in your power tool manuals, measure twice, cut once, etc…
Materials and tools:
3 feet of 2”x4”
18”x18” piece of 1/2 inch good quality plywood
2 ½” inch wood screws
Circular or table saw
Jigsaw or bandsaw
Sandpaper or beltsander
Screwdriver
Drill
Tape measure
Pencil
Grip tape (optional)

Step 1: Support and wobble pieces

Cut three 12 inch long pieces of  2"x4".

Comments

[bridge47]

These sell for >$75 in medical supply catalogs. Good idea!

[supersoftdrink]

Wow, thanks for making this! I think I'll make one for my kids (oldest isn't 4 yet) on the autism spectrum; balance exercises are great for increasing proprioception, and I suspect they'll have fun with it. Wonderful instructable!

[stevepuk]

For a slightly different feel, you can use a bit of strong board (I used plywood) and put it on top of a 2 litre drinks bottle filled with water.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji3BDAfON_k

If you stuck some bits on the underside to stop the bottle rolling off the end it'd probably be a bit safer. To make it easier use a smaller bottle or do it on thicker carpet.

[fretshr3dder]

oh man, im definetly working on this in woodshop when the school year starts up again!

[zorzal]

Another great benefit of these boards: great training for Stand Up Paddling (SUP) surfing. After a while with the board, rent a board, find somebody to give you a few hints and you'll discover a fantastic new activity; you will know 95% of what you need to ride SUP's. :)

[CreatedWithFire]

Wonderful, I was trying to tell hubby about this, they have me using it for PT, he is going to make me one next weekend ! Thanks for sharing !

[Jayefuu]

I made one of these for my friend a while back. Fun and easy little project!

[rimar2000]

Interesting.

A question: for very beginners, is it better a larger radius?

[RcubedplusA]

A larger radius would make for a smaller angle of wobble. I found the dimensions above to be a good compromise. Not too wobbly and not too easy.

But you're right on. For very beginners make the top deck larger than 18"x18" for a smaller, easier wobble.

[rimar2000]

One of my granddaughters is only 2 years old, that is the reason for my need.

[RcubedplusA]

Another option to make it easier and less wobbly is to put the balance board on a thick piece of carpet.