StrongBoard Balance® vs. Bosu® Ball: The Differences

Getting On and Off: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – The platform’s level surface makes getting on and off safe and easy. Each unit comes with an “on /off” instructional card, and there is an introduction video accessible on the education tab.

BOSU® – When using BOSU® balance ball upside down (turning it into a BOSU® balance board,
which the manufacturer warns against), the round belly and pliable air make it very difficult to control which direction and degree the platform will tilt, creating risk to the user. When using BOSU® ball right side up, user’s feet (or hands) sink into the bubble and can over-supinate around the round dome shape, creating strain on ankle, wrist, knee, elbow, shoulder and hip joints.

Stabilization: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – One can think of StrongBoard balance board as a multidirectional teeter totter, creating movement in all three planes of direction (i.e., sagittal, frontal and transverse). The springs act as the fulcrum – where load and effort are continually combating one another in attempts to find equilibrium (balance). This instability creates a number of involuntary muscle contractions not only in the primary movers, but also in the smaller stabilizing muscles. Increased joint angle provides an increase in instability. Whereas standing erect or arms fully locked provides the more stabilization due to less force being required by the muscles and joints to stabilize.

BOSU® – It is possible to stabilize on BOSU® ball as it employs air which is pliable, transferable and can be manipulated by applied weight. When a user finds stabilization (or flat spot) involuntary muscle contraction is significantly decreased and a user is not forced to stay engaged.

Range of Motion: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – StrongBoard MINI®’s 4″ springs  and StrongBoard Balance’s 6″ springs allow for a maximum range of motion in all three planes of motion (i.e., sagittal, frontal and transverse) during full body exercises. This full range of motion offered by StrongBoard is referred to as Unlimited Dynamic Articulation™ (UDA) as a user is able to hit all 360 degrees around the fulcrum, in every angle.

BOSU® – Bosu® ball offers a limited range of motion depending on the amount of air inside the inflatable ball (less air – means it’s more pliable and increases the surface contact of the feet and hands), the weight of the user, and the competing degree of supination.

Exercises: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – Provides a flat/level, industrial grade platform for exercises in both standing and plank positions, which supports the kinetic chain and mimics most real life movements and surfaces.

BOSU® – For standing exercises, Bosu® balance ball (sometimes referred to as BOSU® balance board,
although technically not a balance board) has a round, soft dome, which causes a user’s ankles to excessively supinate and the knees and hips to externally rotate, which can create strain in the ligaments and joints.

Instability Variance: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – Because StrongBoard balance board is a first class lever system (think of a see-saw), and its springs serve as a fulcrum (the center and most stable point), greater instability may occur the further away the feet or hands are placed from the center of the board (think of a teeter totter). This instability allows for a greater activation of the supporting/stabilizing musculature, creating involuntary muscle contractions and increased core engagement. As StrongBoard’s function is wholly supported by science a user can consciously choose a wider stance/hand position & increased joint angle for increased instability, or a closer stance/hand position & decreased joint angle for increased stability.

BOSU®: Instability varies depending on several factors – user’s weight and the amount of air within. When properly inflated – and the feet are placed closer to the center of the dome there is considerably more stability due to the top of the dome having less angle. However, if overinflated and the feet are placed further away from the center of the dome, the ankles tend to over supinate, causing the knees and hips to externally rotate. Without knowing the formula for position with variances in the amount of air or PSI calibration, it is virtually impossible for a user to consciously choose their desired activation by determined position.

Customization: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – wants its users to customize their board to match their unique personality, facility, company, school, or team. StrongBoard keeps 10 popular colors in stock: Red, White, Blue, Black, Orange, Yellow, Pink, Purple, Turquoise and Green  and allows for immediate custom configurations of inventoried items such as 2 black springs, and two yellow springs, or 1 spring each in 4 different colors. StrongBoard also allows users to order custom color springs (any color on the spectrum not inventoried) for a premium price.

BOSU® – Bosu® ball is available in six colors, offering limited customization.

Weight Limit / Durability: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE®– StrongBoard Balance is approved for 500 pounds.

BOSU® – BOSU® is approved for 350 pounds.

Warranty: StrongBoard Balance vs. Bosu

STRONGBOARD BALANCE® – StrongBoard Balance offers a 3-year manufacturer’s warranty on ALL of its products and is proudly manufactured and distributed in the USA.

BOSU® – Bosu® offers two unique warranties:

Most BOSU ball products employ a 90 day limited warranty for home usage ONLY! Warranty is void if used in a commercial setting such as a gym or fitness center.

The PRO Balance Trainer offers 1 year limited warranty for commercial and home usage.