Abstract:
A balance training system and related techniques are disclosed. In accordance with some embodiments, the system includes a middle portion, a first end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion, a second end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end portion, and a centrally disposed balance point about which the system can rotate parallel to a plane of an underlying surface. A user may posture over a top surface of the system, distal to the underlying surface. In accordance with some embodiments, the system is configured to permit rotation at least 360° in either direction about the centrally disposed balance point and to permit the user to engage in a twisting motion such that the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/601,583, titled “System, Method, and Apparatus for Balance Training Exercise,” filed on Jan. 21, 2015, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/948,056, titled “ISO Board Balance Training System,” filed on Mar. 5, 2014. Each of these patent applications is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    The present disclosure relates to exercise systems and techniques and more particularly to balance training exercise. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A balance board is a device used for recreation, balance training, athletic training, brain development, therapy, and other kinds of personal development. Use of balance boards may aid in developing fine motor skill and balance in humans. Balance boards typically include an elongated board having a length that is greater than a width, and a pivot mechanism. Usually the pivot mechanism is a cylinder that can roll by rotating about a central roll axis, which defines the pivot axis of the board. Most balance boards are adapted for balancing by a rider in which the board is positioned with its length latitudinal or transverse to the longitudinal or roll axis of the cylinder supporting the balance board. Conventional balance boards generally provide a single axis on which the device will balance and have been in use for many years. However, these conventional balance boards fail to provide the user with a dynamic, user-selectable, or multifunctional graduated system for strength and balance training. As a result, these conventional devices often fail to accurately replicate the conditions of the underlying board sport. 
         [0004]    Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0005]    The subject matter of this application may involve, in some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of a single system or article. 
         [0006]    One example embodiment provides a method of balance training, the method including: positioning a balance training system over an underlying surface, the balance training system including: a middle portion; a first end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion; a second end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end portion; and a centrally disposed balance point about which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a plane of the underlying surface; and posturing over a top surface of the balance training system, the top surface distal to the underlying surface. In some cases: the first end portion and the second end portion are constituents of a body portion of the balance training system; and the body portion is of curved rectangular shape and of greater length than width. In some such cases, the body portion is symmetrical about at least one axis. In some other such cases, the body portion includes at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and a metal. In some other such cases, the body portion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction. In some instances, an edge of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is rounded. In some instances, the balance training system further includes a traction enhancement feature disposed on the top surface. In some cases, the top surface is textured to provide a non-slip traction area. In some instances, posturing over the top surface of the balance training system includes: standing over the balance training system such that at least one of: a first foot is positioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion; and a second foot is positioned over the top surface proximate the second end portion. In some cases: the balance training system is configured to permit rotation at least 360° in either direction about the centrally disposed balance point; and the method further includes: engaging in a twisting motion such that the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface. 
         [0007]    Another example embodiment provides a balance training system including: a middle portion; a first end portion disposed to a first side of the middle portion; a second end portion disposed to a second side of the middle portion, opposite the first end portion; a centrally disposed balance point about which the balance training system can rotate parallel to a plane of an underlying surface; and a top surface distal to the underlying surface over which a user can posture. In some cases: the first end portion and the second end portion are constituents of a body portion of the balance training system; and the body portion is of curved rectangular shape and of greater length than width. In some such cases, the body portion is symmetrical about at least one axis. In some other such cases, the body portion includes at least one of a wood, a plastic, a cured resin, and a metal. In some other such cases, the body portion is of substantially rigid, monolithic construction. In some instances, an edge of at least one of the first end portion and the second end portion is rounded. In some cases, the balance training system further includes a traction enhancement feature disposed on the top surface. In some instances, the top surface is textured to provide a non-slip traction area. In some cases, the balance training system is configured such that, in posturing over the top surface, the user stands over the balance training system such that at least one of: a first foot of the user is positioned over the top surface proximate the first end portion; and a second foot of the user is positioned over the top surface proximate the second end portion. In some instances: the balance training system is configured to permit rotation at least 360°0 in either direction about the centrally disposed balance point; and the balance training system is configured to permit the user to engage in a twisting motion such that the balance training system rotates about the centrally disposed balance point parallel to the plane of the underlying surface. 
         [0008]    The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been selected principally for readability and instructional purposes and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0009]    Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views. 
           [0010]      FIG. 1  is a top view illustration of a balance board, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3A  is a top view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  5 - 5  with a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  5 - 5  with a cylindrical balance tube, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8A  is a top view illustration of a rotating balance disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8B  is a side view illustration of a rotating balance disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a rotating balance disc, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10A  is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10B  is a side view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with an inflatable balance cushion, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart illustrating a method for balance training exercise, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0025]      FIG. 1  is a top view illustration of a balance board  20 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 2  is a bottom view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The balance board  20  may be a component of an apparatus for balance training exercise  10 , referred to herein simply as ‘apparatus  10 .’ The apparatus  10  includes the rigid balance board  20  having a substantially planar top surface  22 . A first rail  30  and a second rail  32  are positioned on a bottom surface  24  of the balance board  20 , wherein the first rail  30  is positioned substantially opposite the second rail  32 . A nose cap  40  is positioned on a front end  26  of the balance board  20 . A tail cap  50  is positioned on a rear end  28  of the balance board  20 , wherein a bottom surface  34  of the first rail  30 , the second rail  32 , the nose cap  40 , and the tail cap  50  are substantially co-planar. A nose stop  42  is positioned on the nose cap  40  and a tail stop  52  positioned on the tail cap  50 , wherein each of the nose stop  42  and tail stop  52  extend beyond the bottom surface  34  of the nose cap  40  and tail cap  50 , respectively. 
         [0026]    The apparatus  10  is a device and system, and corresponding method, which can be used for balance and strength training. Specifically, the apparatus  10  may be used to train for board-based sports, including stand-up paddle boarding, surfing, skateboarding, and other board sports that require balance. Users may gain significant benefits, such as improvement in balance, gained strength, and/or increased conditioning, from the beginner to the professional level. The apparatus  10  may effectively replicate most board sports, in general, such as surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, and wakeboarding. The apparatus  10 , in particular, replicates stand-up paddle boarding. 
         [0027]    The rigid balance board  20  may have an elongated, curved rectangular shape that has a length greater than its width. The shape of the balance board  20  may include a rounded or pointed section corresponding to the front end  26  of the board  20 , with flattened or “squash tail” shape at the rear end  28  or tail of the board  20 . These shapes may aid the user in identifying the front end  26  and rear end  28  of the board  20 , as well as enhance the rider&#39;s experience and realism relative to the sport of choice, in using the apparatus  10 . The rear end  28  having the flattened shape may be designed to fit into a retaining base to securely support the board  20  when not in use. Apart from graphic designs placed on a surface of the board  20 , the board  20  may be substantially symmetrical between a left and right side. The board  20  may be formed from a durable, substantially rigid material, such as hardwood, plastics, cured resins, metals, or other materials. The size of the board  20  may vary, but it generally may have a height, between the front end  26  and rear end  28 , of approximately 38 inches and a width, between the left and right sides, of approximately  14  inches. Any sizes, shapes, or materials of the board  20  are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. 
         [0028]    The board  20  has a substantially planar top surface  22 , shown clearly in  FIG. 1 . The top surface  22  may have a traction coating  70  or traction enhancing material applied thereto. The traction coating  70  may include silica or a similar material impregnated in a resin, or another protective finish to provide a non-slip traction area for the user to be able to move about the board  20  without losing traction with the top surface  22 . The traction coating  70  may allow the user to securely perform movements on the board  20  similar to the sport of choice being simulated. The traction coating  70  may be applied to the top surface  22  in a variety of ways, including any industry standard methods, such as, for example, by brushing, spraying, gluing, or molding the traction coating  70  to the top surface  22 , among other common application techniques. The edges of the board  20  may be left smooth and slightly rounded to prevent catching or snagging on the user&#39;s hands when the board  20  is in use. 
         [0029]    As is shown in  FIG. 2 , the first rail  30  and the second rail  32  are positioned on a bottom surface  24  of the board  20 . The first rail  30  is positioned substantially opposite the second rail  32 , such as the first rail  30  being positioned proximate to a left side of the board  20  and the second rail  32  being positioned proximate to a right side of the board  20 . Each of the first and second rails  30 ,  32  may be positioned slightly inset or a spaced distance from an edge of the board  20 . Each of the first and second rails  30 ,  32  may be affixed to the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  by a variety of devices and methods, including fasteners, glues, affixment processes, or any combination thereof. Each of the first and second rails  30 ,  32  may extend away from the bottom surface  24  of the board  20 , thereby creating a raised rail structure on either side of the board  20 . 
         [0030]    The nose cap  40  is positioned on the front end  26  of the board  20 , and the tail cap  50  is positioned on the rear end  28  of the board  20 . Each of the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50  may be affixed to or formed integrally with the end of the board  20 , wherein each of the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50  extend away from the bottom surface  24  of the board  20 , similar to the first and second rails  30 ,  32 . The height of the first rail  30 , the second rail  32 , the nose cap  40 , and the tail cap  50  may vary, depending on design. In one example, the height may be approximately inch, but other heights and sizes are considered within the scope of the present disclosure. The bottom surface  34  of each of the first rail  30 , second rail  32 , nose cap  40 , and tail cap  50  may be substantially coplanar with one another. The exposed portion of the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  may be a center cavity positioned between the first rail  30 , the second rail  32 , the nose cap  40 , and the tail cap  50 . The remaining exposed portion of the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  may be positioned external of the first and second rails  30 ,  32 , and thus not be part of the center cavity formed between the first rail  30 , the second rail  32 , the nose cap  40 , and the tail cap  50 . 
         [0031]    The nose stop  42  is positioned on the nose cap  40  and extends beyond the bottom surface  34  of the nose cap  40 , and the tail stop  52  is positioned on the tail cap  50  and extends beyond the bottom surface  34  of the tail cap  50 . Accordingly, each of the nose stop  42  and tail stop  52  may have a height greater than the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50 , respectively, although the heights of the nose and tail stops  42 ,  52  need not match. The shape and size of the nose and tail stops  42 ,  52  may vary depending on design. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the nose and tail stops  42 ,  52  each may he positioned a spaced distance from an internal edge of the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50 , respectively. The nose and tail stops  42 ,  52  also each may be substantially centered on the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50 , respectively. In one example, the nose stop  42  and the nose cap  40  may share a front edge (e.g., proximate to the front edge of the board  20 ). The front edge shared between the nose stop  42  and the nose cap  40  may form a small, acute angle relative to the substantially planar top surface  22  of the board  20 . Similarly, the tail stop  52  and the tail cap  50  may share a common rear edge, wherein the rear edge forms a small or acute angle relative to the substantially planar top surface  22  of the board  20 . The acute angle of the front or rear edge, respectively, may minimize contact between the apparatus  10  and the ground surface when the board  20  pivots on the balance device. The first and second rails  30 ,  32 , the nose cap  40 , the tail cap  50 , the nose stop  42 , and the tail stop  52  may be formed from a durable, substantially rigid material, such as hardwood, plastics, cured resins, metals, or other materials. 
         [0032]    The apparatus  10 , as described in  FIGS. 1-2 , may be used with a variety of balance devices which are placed below the board  20 . The user of the board  20  may stand or otherwise occupy the top surface  22  of the board  20  balancing on the balance device. Further details of the board  20 , the balance devices, and other features of the present disclosure are provided relative to  FIGS. 1-11 , herein. 
         [0033]      FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate one example of a balance device  80  which can be used with the apparatus  10 . Specifically,  FIG. 3A  is a top view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and  FIG. 3B  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical balance tube  82  may be a cylindrically-shaped tube or structure which is durable and sturdy enough to support the weight of the board  20  and the user thereon. The cylindrical balance tube  82  is preferably made from a rigid or semi-rigid material that is hard and durable, such as a plastic, wood, glass, fiberboard, aluminum, steel, or similar material. The cylindrical balance tube  82  is preferably hollow and may have varying lengths and diameters. For example, cylindrical balance tubes  82  may include diameters of 2.5 inches to 8.5 inches and lengths of 10-30 inches, or any other size. Preferably, the cylindrical balance tube  82  has a length dimension less than a distance between the nose cap  40  and the tail cap  50  ( FIGS. 1-2 ). 
         [0034]    The cylindrical balance tube  82  may have a traction material  84  positioned axially about the exterior surface of the cylindrical balance tube  82 . The traction material  84  may include durable traction rings positioned at right angles relative to the length of the cylindrical balance tube  82  and may be situated near the ends and/or near the middle of the cylindrical balance tube  82 , or any combination thereof. The traction material  84  also may include a thin grip tape or similar material. The traction material  84  may aid in providing traction between the riding surface (e.g., a floor or carpeted surface) and the cylindrical balance tube  82 , thus inhibiting slippage between the two surfaces. The ring-shaped traction material  84  may allow for a small amount of compressive relief between the cylindrical balance tube  82 , board  20  ( FIGS. 1-2 ), and the riding surface. 
         [0035]    The operation and use of the apparatus  10  with a balance device  80 , using the cylindrical balance tube  82  as an example, is described relative to  FIGS. 1-7 . The balance device  80  may be removably positioned in contact with at least one of the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  and the bottom surface  34  of the first rail  30 , the second rail  32 , the nose cap  40 , and the tail cap  50 .  FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board  10  of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1  along the line  5 - 5  with a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1  along the line  5 - 5  with a cylindrical balance tube  82 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4-7  depict various configurations of the board  20  in use with the cylindrical balance tubes  82 . For example, as is shown in  FIGS. 4-5 , the cylindrical balance tube  82  is positioned under each of the first and second rails  30 ,  32 , such that the board  20  is resting fully on the cylindrical balance tube  82 . In this configuration, the bottom surface  34  of the first and second rails  30 ,  32  may contact an exterior surface of the cylindrical balance tube  82 . As is shown in  FIG. 4 , the bottom surface  34  of the first and second rails  30 ,  32  may be coated with a gripping material  36 , which can be a natural or man-made, thin, pliable traction coating to provide a non-slip, non-marring, and cushioning surface to interface between the cylindrical balance tube  82  and the first and second rails  30 ,  32 , thereby providing an enhanced grip and smooth, slightly slowed rolling action, and a protective barrier between the structures. 
         [0037]    Relative to  FIG. 5 , in use of the apparatus  10 , the cylindrical balance tube  82  is movable along a length of the board  20  between the front and rear ends  26 ,  28 , until contact is achieved between the cylindrical balance tube  82  and the nose and tail stops  42 ,  52 . Thus, a user can balance on the top surface  22  of the board  20 , shifting his or her weight to move the board  20  relative to the cylindrical balance tube  82 . When the cylindrical balance tube  82  reaches an end of the board  20  and contacts one of the nose or tail stops  42 ,  52 , the cylindrical balance tube  82  will be prevented from rolling further along the first and second rails  32 ,  30 . Thus, the nose stop  42  or tail stop  52  may provide a limit to the movement of the cylindrical balance tube  82  when used on the lateral axis, thus reducing the likelihood of a cylindrical balance tube  82  coming away and out from under the board  20  while in use. Various exercises, positions, and techniques can be employed to successfully balance on the board  20  in this position on the cylindrical balance tube  82 . 
         [0038]      FIGS. 6-7  illustrate a similar situation where the board  20  is used with the cylindrical balance tube  82 . However, in these figures, the cylindrical balance tube  82  is positioned in contact with the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  itself (e.g., within the center cavity of the board  20 ), and the cylindrical balance tube  82  is rolled between the first and second rails  30 ,  32 . The cylindrical balance tube  82  can be moved between the first and second rails  30 ,  32  using the same balance techniques as described relative to  FIG. 5 , where the first and second rails  30 ,  32  provide a stop for the cylindrical balance tube  82  when used longitudinally to inhibit the continued lateral movement of the board  20  atop a cylindrical balance tube  82 . Alternatively, the cylindrical balance tube  82  can be used between the nose and tail caps  40 ,  50  with the cylindrical balance tube  82  contacting the bottom surface  24  of the board  20  ( FIG. 6  illustrates the nose cap  40  and nose stop  42  positioned behind the cylindrical balance tube  82 ). 
         [0039]    The apparatus  10  may include multiple cylindrical balance tubes  82  of varying lengths and diameters for users of any skill level from beginner to professional athletes, thereby providing a graduated training system for skill proficiency development on multiple axes of balance control. The apparatus  10  may further include balance devices that include other, non-cylindrical roller devices. For example, a 360°-rotating balance disc  90  or a balance cushion  97  may be used alone or with other parts of the apparatus  10  to promote a true multi-dimensional training experience. 
         [0040]      FIG. 8A  is a top view illustration of a rotating balance disc  90 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 8B  is a side view illustration of a rotating balance disc  90 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG,  9  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with a rotating balance disc  90 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Relative to  FIGS. 8A-9 , the rotating balance disc  90  may be formed from a top disc  92 , a bottom disc  94 , and a bearing device  96  positioned therebetween. The rotating balance disc  90  may have a substantially circular footprint and provide 360° rotation between the top and bottom discs  92 ,  94 . The rotating balance disc  90  is preferably constructed of wood, plastic, metal, or other rigid or semi-rigid material that can be smooth on the top, and the edges can be smooth and slightly rounded. The rotating balance disc  90  may be between 6 inches and 20 inches in diameter, although other sizes are permissible. The top and bottom discs  92 ,  94  are separated by and affixed to the bearing device  96 , which may be a rotating ball bearing device, commonly known as a “lazy Susan.” The bearing device  96  can be made of a rigid material such as steel, aluminum, hard plastics, and similar materials. The bearing device  96  can be built into the top and/or bottom discs  92 ,  94  or can be separately constructed and affixed by common fasteners, such as screws, to the top and bottom discs  92 ,  94 . The 360° rotation of the rotating balance disc  90  may allow for the board  20  to rotate 360° when placed atop the rotating balance disc  90 . The board  20  may be used alone with the rotating balance disc  90  or in conjunction with any of the other balance devices  80 . A preferred configuration is to use the board  20  atop a balance cushion  97  which rests atop the rotating balance disc  90 . 
         [0041]      FIG. 10A  is a top view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion  97 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 10B  is a side view illustration of an inflatable balance cushion  97 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional front view illustration of the balance board  20  of  FIG. 1  along the line  4 - 4  with an inflatable balance cushion  97 , in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The inflatable balance cushion  97  may be formed from a pliable material that can hold a small amount of air pressure, such as PVC, plastic, urethane, or similar semi-durable materials that can be inflated and deflated by any device, such as by mouth or by a pump device. The top  98  and the bottom  99  of the inflatable balance cushion  97  can he textured, smooth, or a combination of the two. The inflatable balance cushion  97  may be positioned under the board  20  and used in the manners described previously, except that the inflatable balance cushion  97  may provide a more stable balancing situation as compared to cylinders or rotating devices. 
         [0042]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart  100  illustrating a method for balance training exercise, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts should be understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, or steps that include one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the process, and alternate implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in which functions may be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or in reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure. 
         [0043]    As is shown by block  102 , at least one balance device is positioned underneath a rigid balance board, the rigid balance board having a substantially planar top surface, a first rail and a second rail positioned on a bottom surface of the balance board, wherein the first rail is positioned substantially opposite the second rail, a nose cap positioned on a front end of the balance board, a tail cap positioned on a rear end of the balance board, wherein a bottom surface of the first rail, the second rail, the nose cap, and the tail cap are substantially co-planar, and a nose stop positioned on the nose cap and a tail stop positioned on the tail cap, wherein each of the nose stop and tail stop extend beyond the bottom surface of the nose cap and tail cap, respectively. A user balances on the substantially planar top surface of the rigid balance board (block  104 ). 
         [0044]    The method may include any number of other steps, methods, or functions, including any disclosed relative to  FIGS. 1-1  herein. For example, balancing the user on the substantially planar top surface of the rigid balance board further includes balancing the user about an axis of the at least one balance device. Balancing may also include using a balance device that includes a durable, rigid, cylindrical tube, wherein the cylindrical tube is rotatable between the nose cap and tail cap. A rotation of the cylindrical tube may be stopped with at least one of the nose cap and tail cap or one of the first rail and the second rail. 
         [0045]    It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present disclosure and protected by the following claims.