The weather has been great and I had envisioned a week full of running outside. With my husband off from work to watch the boys, I figured the miles ahead of me were mine, all mine!!
That is until I had a date with the BOSU balance trainer. 
It looks harmless enough, doesn’t it? On Tuesday I went to a local gym for some basic strength training exercises (shoulder presses, bicep curls, etc.). Instead of sitting at the machines, I was using dumbbells and standing on a BOSU. With each repetition, I was also squatting.
I do squats all the time, so I really didn’t think it would make a difference. I obviously had forgotten just how powerful the BOSU is! I could barely walk on Wednesday and Thursday, my legs and glutes were screaming at me! I let out small whimpers when I had to squat down to pick up toys or even tie my shoes!
The BOSU got the best of me which is why it is so important to constantly change up your workout routine. I can do stand alone squats or wall squats for hours. But put me on the BOSU balance trainer for 15 minutes and I am sore for almost 3 days! Our bodies adapt to exercises and they really do become too easy for us. Think about your current strength routine—have the weights you have been lifting become too easy for you? Challenge yourself and add just a little more the next time you are lifting. See and feel the difference. The only way our muscles can grow stronger is if we make them work harder!
Are you asking yourself, but what is a BOSU balance trainer and where can I get one? Click over here to read more about it and why it made my workout that much harder.
I have seen them at local sporting goods stores or even Ebay. I don’t have one at my house, but it is on my wish list! It really is a great piece of equipment that can be used in so many different ways.
Now tell me, have you been active this week? I hope so!
No excuses gang!
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BOSU balls are a lot of fun; I mix them in pretty regularly to my training routines. I sometimes have to get creative, but I try to find ways to use those or swiss balls with most of the exercises that I do some months.
You probably aught to have gotten out for an easy jog anyway, though. It may have loosened you up a little so that you weren’t so sore for 3 days.
Thank you, I will be dragging out my BOSU tonight! I love that thing…Hope you are having a great holiday!
I need to get on that thing more often! I’ve tried it once or twice, but it’s been a while. I like feeling sore for a day or two following a workout! It proves to me that I’ve been working!
Blaine, The sad part is that I did try to go out for an easy jog, but it wasn’t a pretty sight! I did manage several long walks and a short workout on the spin bike though–just to keep the blood flowing through my muscles. Tomorrow it is back to running!
At the start of that post I was sure you were going to say you fell off the BOSU and sprained your ankle or dropped the weights on your foot. I was relieved that you were “just” horribly sore. Phew!
Awesome! I mean, not for being sore, but for adding something new to your workout. Just think, you’re legs will be stronger when you do get out the door!
I’d love one of these, I’ve heard so many positive things about the BOSU. Are they really that effective? Judging by this post and comments: yes!
Maybe I’ll treat myself next time I’ve got some spare cash….
That is a really good point. I typically do the same old routine on my off (running) days. I have tried the BOSU before at a boot camp and you are right, they are incredible!
The Bosu is the best. I have a lot of difficulty with balance and have been known to fall since I started to walk – a long time ago. The Bosu is helping me with balance and core work. I am going to try it with a student who is autistic with poor balance.
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