Gibbon GiBoard Balance Board Review
Are you looking to take your slacklining and rock-climbing game to the next level? Or simply improve your balance, focus, and coordination?
Look no further than the Gibbon GiBoard Balance Board! If you’ve read this blog before, you know that I’m a big fan of balance training. It is essential for coordination, stability, and aging gracefully.
The GiBoard is the best kind of balance trainer. It takes one of the hardest balance trainers, a slackline, and makes it easier and far more approachable. I would never put my 60+-year-old clients on a slackline, the risk of injury is far too high, but the GiBoard makes it possible for anyone, regardless of age, to try slacklining. Although fitness level is a limiting factor, balancing on a slackline requires some leg strength.
I won’t go through the long list of benefits of slacklining, as I’ve already written an entire article on the subject. Instead, we’ll be talking about the benefits of balance board training, why the Giboard is better than your average balance board, and the types of exercises you can use the GiBoard for:
The Benefits of Balance Board Training
Using a balance board, like the Gibbon GiBoard, has numerous benefits beyond simply improving stability and coordination. It can also help to increase core strength, improve muscle tone, and enhance overall body control. In addition, balance board training has also been shown to improve reaction times and cognitive function, making it an excellent option for athletes and non-athletes.
By challenging the body to maintain balance on an unstable surface, balance board training can also help to reduce the risk of injury, as it strengthens the muscles and tendons responsible for stabilizing and supporting the joints. Additionally, balance board exercises can be easily modified to suit all fitness levels, making it a versatile tool for anyone looking to improve their physical fitness and overall health.
Different balance boards can have various benefits. In the past, in my best balance boards article, I took a look at the most common styles and discussed their benefits. My former favorite was the whirly board, but the Gibbon GiBoard is giving it a run for its money.
Features and benefits of the Gibbon GiBoard
Unlike other balance boards, the Gibbon GiBoard is a slackline, and although I have another article listing all the benefits of slacklining. There are a few reasons to choose this slackline simulator over a traditional balance board.
Slacklining is great for improving balance, coordination, core strength, and developing a sharp focus and proprioception. In fact, slacklining has become increasingly popular among athletes of all kinds, from rock climbers to surfers to gymnasts, as a way to enhance their performance and reduce the risk of injury.
Beyond the physical benefits, slacklining can have a positive impact on mental health as well. By learning to focus on the present moment and regulate your breathing and heart rate, you can reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. Additionally, the challenge of slacklining can help to build confidence and self-esteem as you push yourself to reach new levels of achievement and overcome the fear of falling.
Slacklining also has therapeutic benefits for individuals with conditions such as ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder, and cerebral palsy. By engaging the mind and body in a dynamic yet controlled environment, individuals can experience improved motor control, balance, and overall well-being.
In short, slacklining is an excellent way to improve physical fitness, mental health, and overall quality of life. But, honestly, I cannot say that this board will have all the same benefits because the board is much lower, easier, and safer than a traditional slackline. We can only hope that this miniature version transfers some of the significant benefits of slacklining.
Although this board is small for a slackline, it is large for a balance board:
The Board Specs from Gibbon:
Size: 42" L x 11" W x 5.5" H
Weight Limit: 250 Pounds
Board Weight: 9 Pounds
On the other hand, the size does offer some advantages, enabling you to do many different exercises with this versatile board.
Types of exercises to do on Gibbon GiBoard
In addition to simply balancing on the Gibbon GiBoard, it is also an excellent tool for your workouts. If you decide to purchase a GiBoard, try adding some of these exercises to your routine.
Push-ups
While most people think of balance boards as a product primarily for your lower body, they can be a great way to train your upper body as well. Stabilizing your upper body throughout a push-up on a balance board is a great way to bulletproof your shoulders!
Bridge
There are a million ways to make a bridge more difficult, and this variation is a great way to set your hamstrings on fire. If it is still too easy on the balance board, try doing it with only one leg.
Lunge
This lunge variation is great because the load-bearing front knee is forced to stabilize while the back leg is on a stable surface. Control throughout a movement is the true demonstration of strength, and if you can keep fluid control of this movement, you are going to have some strong legs. In addition to decreasing your risk of knee and ankle injuries.
Boat Pose
I had to throw at least one ab exercise in here, and boat pose is a challenging one. Sitting on a slackline in the position is no joke. I had to hold on the whole time, while I have seen people do this with no hands, but I’m not on that level.
In short, balance boards are great for incorporating into your workouts and can also be incorporated into your workday:
Using a balance board at work
In addition to its benefits for athletic training, using a balance board can also have advantages in a work environment, particularly for those who stand at a desk for long periods of time.
Regularly using a standing desk can improve posture and reduce the risk of obesity and chronic disease, but standing still for extended periods can cause discomfort and strain on the body.
Incorporating a balance board into the workday can help to engage the muscles and joints, promoting blood flow and reducing the risk of muscle fatigue and joint pain. Using a balance board while standing can also help improve focus and productivity by increasing cognitive stimulation and minimizing feelings of boredom or restlessness.
Overall, using a balance board at work can be a simple and effective way to enhance physical and mental wellness during the workday.
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Is Slacklining a good workout?
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