BOSU

A BOSU Balance Trainer (or BOSU ball) is a fitness training device, invented in 1999 by David Weck.^[1] It consists of an inflated rubber hemisphere attached to a rigid platform. The device is often used for balance training. When the dome side faces up, the BOSU ball provides an unstable surface while the device remains stable. This combination of stable/unstable allows a wide range of users, from the young,^[2] elderly, or injured to the elite level athlete.^[3] With the dome side up, the device can be used for athletic drills and aerobic activities. The device can be flipped over so that the platform faces up. In this position, the device is highly unstable and can be used for other forms of exercise.

The name initially came from an

stability ball cut in half. The acronym now favored by the creators is "BOth Sides Utilised".^[4]

Criticism and benefits

In a scientific experiment conducted at

rectus abdominis and allows for greater activity per exercise when compared to a stable surface. Exercises such as a curl-up on an exercise ball yields a greater amount of electromyography (EMG) activity^{[further explanation needed]} compared to exercises on a stable platform.^[7]

References

^ Chan, Christina. "What is a BOSU ball and how does it improve balance?". Lifetips.com. Retrieved February 13, 2013.
^ Hedstrom Fitness. "BOSU Revitalized". Hedstromfitness.com. Retrieved April 13, 2015.^{[permanent dead link]}
^ "More training tips from NBA superstar". Canada.com. 2007-03-26. Archived from the original on 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2015-04-03.
^ "About Us - BOSU". BOSU. Retrieved October 28, 2020.
^ Willardson JM, Fontana FE, Bressel E., Effect of surface stability on core muscle activity for dynamic resistance exercises., Int J Sports Physiol Perform, vol.4:97-109, 2009
^ Laudner, Kevin G; Koschnitzky, Matthew M, Ankle Muscle Activation When Using the Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) Balance Trainer, Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, vol.24:218-222,2010
^ Clark, K. M., Holt, L. E., & Sinyard, J. (2003). Electromyographic comparison of the upper and lower rectus abdominis during abdominal exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 17(3), 475–483. doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0475:ECOTUA>2.0.CO;2

External links

[bosu-history-1] Chan, Christina. "What is a BOSU ball and how does it improve balance?". Lifetips.com. Retrieved February 13, 2013.

[bosu_revitalized-2] Hedstrom Fitness. "BOSU Revitalized". Hedstromfitness.com. Retrieved April 13, 2015.^{[permanent dead link]}

[3] "More training tips from NBA superstar". Canada.com. 2007-03-26. Archived from the original on 2015-06-13. Retrieved 2015-04-03.

[About_Us_Bosu-4] "About Us - BOSU". BOSU. Retrieved October 28, 2020.

[5] Willardson JM, Fontana FE, Bressel E., Effect of surface stability on core muscle activity for dynamic resistance exercises., Int J Sports Physiol Perform, vol.4:97-109, 2009

[6] Laudner, Kevin G; Koschnitzky, Matthew M, Ankle Muscle Activation When Using the Both Sides Utilized (BOSU) Balance Trainer, Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research, vol.24:218-222,2010

[7] Clark, K. M., Holt, L. E., & Sinyard, J. (2003). Electromyographic comparison of the upper and lower rectus abdominis during abdominal exercises. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, 17(3), 475–483. doi:10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017<0475:ECOTUA>2.0.CO;2

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