BALANCE BOARD

Domande frequenti - Balance board

• What is a balance board used for?
  The balance board stimulates the proprioceptors in the ankle, knee and hip by creating an unstable surface. The central nervous system receives continuous feedback and reorganises motor patterns to maintain balance. It is used in post-sprain rehabilitation, in the prevention of joint injuries and in neuromotor strengthening for athletes of all levels, from amateurs to professional fitness trainers.
• What is the difference between a round and a square balance board?
  The round balance board allows for 360° multidirectional instability, which is useful for advanced proprioceptive training of the ankle. The square version limits movement to specific axes, making it easier to manage during the early stages of rehabilitation or with older people. In a rehabilitation programme, one often starts with the square version and moves on to the round one once motor control has been established.
• What is a weightlifting balance board and how do you use it?
  The weightlifting balance board is a board designed to accommodate both feet in a squat or clean position. It is used to practise barbell control in conditions of controlled instability, improving ankle and knee stability in the fundamental movements of Olympic weightlifting. It should only be introduced once technique has been firmly established on a stable surface.
• What is the Dune Ball Board?
  The Dune Ball Board is an unstable base consisting of a rigid board mounted on a rubber hemisphere. It generates progressive multidirectional instability and is used in both orthopaedic rehabilitation and proprioceptive training for team sports. It allows for exercises whilst seated, on one foot or on both feet, with the level of difficulty adjustable according to the individual’s ability.
• EVA balance pad or wooden balance board: which one should you choose?
  The EVA balance pad offers gentle, cushioned instability, making it suitable for older people, early-stage rehabilitation and barefoot exercises in holistic or Pilates settings. The wooden board with a hemisphere creates a more pronounced and responsive instability, which is required in athletic and sporting contexts. In structured training programmes, the two tools are integrated throughout the progression.
• Are balance boards useful for preventing ankle sprains?
  Yes. Regular proprioceptive training reduces the incidence of ankle sprains, particularly in sports involving changes of direction such as basketball, football, volleyball and tennis. Protocols lasting 10–15 minutes, carried out three times a week, improve the neuromuscular reaction time of the peroneal muscles and the dynamic stability of the tibiotarsal joint.
• Can you use a balance board at home without supervision?
  For healthy, already active individuals, yes – starting with the simplest exercises: standing on both feet on a wide surface, then on one foot, and finally with eyes closed. In cases of recent post-traumatic conditions, joint disorders or chronic instability, the programme should be designed by a physiotherapist or fitness coach. Progression should always be managed according to the level of control achieved, not by the duration of the training session.
• What is the difference between a balance board and a Bosu?
  A balance board is generally a rigid board mounted on a pivot or half-sphere, providing immediate and responsive instability. The Bosu is an inflatable half-sphere with a flat surface on top; it offers more cushioned instability and is also used for light plyometric exercises. The balance board is more specifically suited to proprioceptive training of the ankle; the Bosu is suitable for more general applications.
• What is the maximum weight capacity of the Sidea balance boards?
  The Sidea wooden boards are made from plywood designed for professional use in commercial gyms and physiotherapy practices. The load capacity is suitable for use with adult athletes, even under dynamic loading conditions. The weightlifting version is designed for use with a barbell loaded in accordance with standard weightlifting protocols.
• What is the Bump Stimulating Disc used for?
  The Bump Stimulating Disc is an inflatable cushion with a textured surface. It provides simultaneous proprioceptive instability and plantar stimulation. It is used whilst seated as an active core exercise cushion, whilst standing for balance exercises, or as part of gentle exercise and rehabilitation programmes. Adjusting the air pressure modulates the degree of instability.
• What instalment payment options are available?
  Sidea offers a range of instalment payment options to make it easier to purchase professional equipment. Please see the dedicated page: Payment options Sidea.
• I’m a fitness professional – can I get special rates?
  If you work in the fitness or sports sector, register on the website as a Professional or as an ASD to gain access to the price list reserved for industry professionals. Pro registration allows you to view exclusive discounts and special terms across the entire Sidea catalogue.
• Is Sidea listed on the MEPA for public sector procurement?
  Yes, Sidea is an authorised supplier on the MEPA (Public Administration Electronic Marketplace). Public bodies, schools, universities, local authorities and public sports facilities can purchase Sidea equipment via the platform Public Sector Online Procurement. For information on product codes and direct MEPA orders, please contact Sidea customer service.
• What are Sidea’s returns and warranty terms?
  Sidea guarantees the right to cancel within 14 days of delivery for all online purchases, in accordance with current legislation. Products must be returned undamaged and in their original packaging. For full details on returns, refunds and the warranty, please see the page Terms and Conditions of Sale.
• Why choose Sidea equipment?
  Sidea has been designing and distributing professional fitness equipment since 1999: over 25 years’ experience serving gyms, sports coaches, CrossFit boxes, personal training studios and enthusiasts of advanced home fitness. Official distributor StrongFirst e Luxiaojun, which is exhibiting at the FIBO international trade fair and is the technical sponsor of the Summit of Strength. Every product is designed with durability, functionality and suitability for real-world operational contexts in mind. The service Gym Design Offers bespoke design services with 3D renderings. A warehouse covering over 4,000 m² in Gambettola (FC) to ensure rapid order fulfilment, direct technical advice and a special price list for professionals and amateur sports clubs.