We are often asked if the Balance Rider is only for equestrians, or if it has value for people who don’t ride horses. So we’re going to take a little side trip before going on with our explanations/definitions of balance, core strength and proprioception.
Essential facts: Good balance, core strength and proprioception are the basis for healthy/successful performance in any physical activity, from walking to pole-vaulting, from rowing a boat to swimming the English Channel. And in case you’re wondering why we mention rowing and swimming: Rowing especially requires balance. Both activities demand core strength. And both depend on serious coordination, a condition enhanced by proprioceptive agility.
The simple answer to the question about wide-ranging value is YES, the Balance Rider offers tremendous benefit ~ really for everyone. I started to write a long list of activities and athletic applications that are aided by good balance, a strong core and efficient proprioception. Then I remembered that I need to keep these blogs short and sweet. So, the “really for everyone” statement isn’t sarcasm. It’s simple truth.
Continuing in the spirit of brevity, here are a few bullet points that might begin the process of clarification that we’ll revisit in Part Two and later, from time to time.
In general, the Balance Rider is:
• Safe and effective for people of all ages and levels of fitness.
• A training platform that focuses on the core, eliminating the assistance of feet and legs.
• A balance and proprioception enhancer that excludes the aids of other body parts.
• An enjoyable challenge toward the attainment of an easy-to-recognize state of balance.
• Neither too aggressive, nor too complicated ~ while . . .
• Adjustable to meet various levels of skill and fitness.
• Offering increasing challenge through exercises designed to elevate fitness.
• Stimulating and Fun!
• A powerful tool that specifically activates:
• BOTH the internal and the external muscles of the trunk and spine.
• BOTH the large abdominal and gluteal muscles; and the small but incredibly mighty spinal stabilizers.
• Engages pelvic floor muscles in a direct and efficient manner.
