If you’ve never seen a BOSU trainer, it looks like someone chopped the top off a stability ball and glued it to a hard, flat, plastic base. BOSU is actually an acronym that stands for Both Sides Utilized or Both Sides Up depending on the context being used - I’ll get a little more into that in a minute.
When I first saw a BOSU and heard about what it’s supposed to do, I had my doubts about its ability to deliver. I’m always skeptical about new fitness trends because, frankly, there are just too many that guarantee unbeatable results only to leave consumers disappointed, frustrated and more importantly, one step further from reaching their fitness goals.
Anyway, being the fitness enthusiast that I am, I tried out the BOSU despite my reservations; though, sure I’d be disappointed.
…Wow was I wrong!
The BOSU trainer provided an awesome workout. In fact, it was so effective that I quickly began to incorporate it into the aerobics classes that I was teaching at the time.
What is it?
The BOSU is essentially a platform used to perform basic exercises. You can stand, kneel and lay down on it. You can use it for strength, balance, coordination and cardiovascular training. Any exercise that you can do on a bench or on the floor can also be done on the BOSU.
So why not save yourself some money and just workout on the floor?
Because the unstable surface provided by the BOSU forces you to use all of your stabilizer muscles while you’re performing regular exercises. While you’re engaging all of these smaller, yet important muscles, the soft surface of the BOSU works to preserve your joints during aerobic activities and, of course, enhances your ability to balance.
Both Sides Up
The Both Sides Up definition of BOSU literally refers to the fact that you can use this trainer with the soft dome side up or with the hard plastic side up. Each position offers a unique spin on different exercises.
For example, you can do push-ups with the dome side up by placing one hand on the floor and one on the dome or by placing your hands on the floor and your toes or knees on the BOSU.
You can then flip the BOSU over so the hard plastic base is facing up. You can hold onto the sides (which have handles built in) and do push-ups with your toes or knees on the floor.
There are literally hundreds of exercises and exercise variations that can be done on the BOSU, including all out aerobic workouts!
Both Sides Utilized
This definition of BOSU refers to the philosophy behind its creation. The idea is that the BOSU will help you create balance in all aspects of your life by beginning with you body. The BOSU was developed on the concept that, as you achieve mental and physical balance within your life, your performance levels will greatly improve in all areas.
Hey, I don’t know about the philosophical meaning behind the BOSU, but as a person who seeks intense and effective workouts, I am telling you, the BOSU is a great way to add intensity to the workout that you’re already doing.
The both sides up definition is highly accurate because the BOSU will kick your butt whether it’s dome up or base up.
I encourage skepticism in research of new fitness products and I don’t expect you all to take my word for it on the BOSU, but I would recommend that you go out and try it yourself. Find a local health club that has BOSU classes and get a day pass. You may find that it’s the newest piece of equipment you’ll want to add to your home gym.
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