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Danielle
28th-October-2005, 01:53 PM
Following a little email chat I've just been having with Lee, wondered if anyone out there had any tips or exercises to improve your balance!! Mine is in desperate need over improvement......please help!!!:flower:

LMC
28th-October-2005, 02:11 PM
One 'exercise' I found really good at Southport was to stand on the ball of one foot, whilst raising the other foot off the ground slightly (literally so it's just off the ground). You can put your arms out like you're hugging a beachball (or as you would whilst dancing) but not out like a tightrope walker (too tense?).

I would just like to clarify that it is the exercise that I found to be good - because it showed me that my balance is appalling :blush: - I can now do this exercise without falling over *immediately*, but only for a couple of seconds before I start wobbling and have to put my heel down.

I'll demonstrate @Hammersmith if you're there Danielle?

KatieR
28th-October-2005, 02:11 PM
Following a little email chat I've just been having with Lee, wondered if anyone out there had any tips or exercises to improve your balance!! Mine is in desperate need over improvement......please help!!!:flower:

Are you refering to spinning? or just in general... from the spinning perspective, I think practice is a good one. take 10 minutes each day to just pop your shoes on and stand in a corner of the kitchen and spin... I find spotting very useful, making sure your arms are in, you can cross them in from of you or put your hands on your hips, but a big part of spinning off balance is because your arms are causing your axis to wobble (cant think of a better way to describe it). try to keep your back straight and knees slightly bent. Dont take the foot you aren't spinning on too far off the ground and just practice practice practice..

Disclaimer: these points are suitable for me and it is in my opinion that they work they are not absolute hard fact.

El Salsero Gringo
28th-October-2005, 02:16 PM
Following a little email chat I've just been having with Lee, wondered if anyone out there had any tips or exercises to improve your balance!! Mine is in desperate need over improvement......please help!!!:flower:Stick to soft drinks.

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 02:20 PM
Stick to soft drinks.

haha very good ESG!!!!

thanks LMC, will definately give that a go!! - If by hammersmith this weekend you mean Amirs T-Jive I will be there!! can't wait haven't been able to make it for ages!! :clap:

Katie, I can spin upright ok, its when i have to spin at an angle or bent over or with my eyes up at the ceiling so i can't really spot - any suggestions!!!??

KatieR
28th-October-2005, 02:26 PM
haha very good ESG!!!!

Katie, I can spin upright ok, its when i have to spin at an angle or bent over or with my eyes up at the ceiling so i can't really spot - any suggestions!!!??

My first question is... why would you be spinning at an angle or bent over? Im not sure what you mean by that... sometimes if a guy doesnt lead a spin very well then its all over red rover and there isn't much you can do to save it, but I use a guys face as my spot point when spinning so i know the exact spot I need to return to.

Dont let your eyes off their face until the very last second then whip yourself around.

Damien
28th-October-2005, 02:31 PM
Hi Danielle - I'm no expert in this area but here goes - dancing involves the movement of balancing on one foot to balancing on the other so your weight at any point should be either on one foot or the other. Many problems with balance come with turning and spins. As I understand it the usual rule for which foot you turn on is generally to put your weight on the foot in the direction of the turn. The weight should be on the ball of the foot and you should feel the floor pressing back up towards you. Other than that some other things are:
- Don't hang on the lead or rely on them for balance.
- Invest in a pair of dance shoes you feel comfortable in.
- Physiotherapists and sports coaches use wobble boards for balance and strength training - not sure where you can get them?
- Don’t laugh :rofl: - I understand yoga is very good for developing balance! But I’ve never heard it recommended to improving dancing before - but who knows.

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 02:37 PM
My first question is... why would you be spinning at an angle or bent over?

cos it looks really pretty :flower: (well its does when you don't stumble and fall over afterwards :blush: )
I like to try different moves wherever possible and some can be lead by the woman which is even cooler :waycool: but only when done well!!!

LMC
28th-October-2005, 02:39 PM
thanks LMC, will definately give that a go!! - If by hammersmith this weekend you mean Amirs T-Jive I will be there!! can't wait haven't been able to make it for ages!! :clap:
I meant Sat night - I shall be at Ashtons on Sunday :flower:


Katie, I can spin upright ok, its when i have to spin at an angle or bent over or with my eyes up at the ceiling so i can't really spot - any suggestions!!!??
I also can't see why you'd be looking at the ceiling! If you can spin OK without a partner, then maybe it's not *all* your fault...

At 5'9", I frequently have the problem of being 'off centre' on turns where a shorter guy doesn't reach far enough. In that case - push his hand up. I figure if the tiny (under 4'6") taxi-dancer at a Chilterns venue can turn me (although only with fingertip contact!) without me having to 'bend' then *anyone* can, no excuses. I was told that if I really really have to bend then bending at the knees compromises balance less than 'leaning' - obvious really, but still quite difficult - if your head is about to be hit the instinctive reaction is to duck! :sad:

When it comes to push spins, the secret is, IMO, to try to 'free spin' - *without* anticipating the lead. i.e., you're spinning under your own momentum (I'm still trying to get this one sussed). This is because I find that many men do not push down on a push spin - they push 'out' - so you're off balance straight away. Or in the case of something like a Ceroc(lady)spin or Wurlitzer, they are not directing the momentum at your waist level - many guys push you too high up.

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 02:44 PM
- Physiotherapists and sports coaches use wobble boards for balance and strength training - not sure where you can get them?
- Don’t laugh :rofl: - I understand yoga is very good for developing balance! But I’ve never heard it recommended to improving dancing before - but who knows.


Not laughing, great tips thank you!!!! :flower: am now going surfing for wobble boards - will let you know the outcome!!!!

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 02:49 PM
Following a little email chat I've just been having with Lee, wondered if anyone out there had any tips or exercises to improve your balance!! Mine is in desperate need over improvement......please help!!!:flower:


Firstly, if you are trying to do complex tilt spins and the like then DONT. As with any new skill you have to master the basics first. A straight forward basic free spin.

To improve your balance, practice is important and spotting is a solid technique but if you really want to perfect spins you need to be able to exercise control.
Control for multiple spins comes, primarily, from your core. Core strength training to strengthen your abs, glutes, external obliques and so on will help you improve dramatically. Your core is what will keep your body in form which will maintain your stability through spins. A few of the better gyms have staff that specialise in core strength. If you have the means I would suggest you use them.

A less expensive way to improve is to use balance boards (also called wobble boards) or a bosey (this is often spelled differently). A normal balance board is either rectangulat or circular with a small half-sphere in the centre of one side. The idea is to balance , 2 footed, on it progressing to some range of motion exercises. These are about £30 from some retailers. Muscles in the ankle and feet are often overlooked and can be the most helpful of all!
Then there is the bosey. So called because you can use it from both sides.
It is essentially a circular board with one whole side a rubbery half-shere. One way to use this is to put it down (flat side down) and stand on the rubber dome with one foot. It trains your brain, as well as the muscles in your feet, to recognise and adapt to instability. eventually you will be able to do range of motion exercises on this too - but it takes time!

All the above is doing one thing, training your body. A lot of other techniques teach you how to adapt to spins rather than control them eg. spotting. There is a theory that the effect of the watery substance in your ears that causes you to go dizzy can be neutralised through practice. Im sure it will to a certain degree but Im sceptical on this.


For now, work on your body. Just as a dancer will stretch to allow them to move freely, a follower (and indeed a leader) should train themselves to use spins.
When you are actually spinning, at present, keep your arms under control but more importantly stick to an arm position for all spins. Different arm styling will send mixed signals to your brain. Training as above will help control this but only after a long while. For now , tuck your arms in while you practice and your head upright.
As for your feet, try not to do flamingo spins where you bring one foot up to the knee of the other leg. If you like you can actually keep both feet on the floor with the weight only over one. Sweeping the other foot if you will, but keep the feet together.

One final thing. Remember that, eventually, the momentum for the spin comes from the core not the arms (although this is contestable). This again comes down to core strength training.


hope this helps.

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 02:58 PM
All the above is doing one thing, training your body. A lot of other techniques teach you how to adapt to spins rather than control them eg. spotting. There is a theory that the effect of the watery substance in your ears that causes you to go dizzy can be neutralised through practice. Im sure it will to a certain degree but Im sceptical on this.
hope this helps.

so many tips thank you!!!!

spinning normally, free spinning isn't a problem for me really, its the complex ones, but more generally in dancing when i'm caught off guard or i don't feel the lead in time on the fast songs i can sometimes be pulled off balance which should really happen i should be centred enough to counter this! but really interesting what you said above cos i have heard that before too - guess i have to practice more!!!

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 03:02 PM
so many tips thank you!!!!

spinning normally, free spinning isn't a problem for me really, its the complex ones, but more generally in dancing when i'm caught off guard or i don't feel the lead in time on the fast songs i can sometimes be pulled off balance which should really happen i should be centred enough to counter this! but really interesting what you said above cos i have heard that before too - guess i have to practice more!!!


:grin: yes, practice but (at the risk of sounding like a stuck record) core strength work is key.
The reason you are finding yourself being pulled off balance is because of the guy usually. The only weapon in your arsenal to counter that is to generate power and control the spin using your core and your feet!

OR
dont dance with him again :wink: :what: sorry thats terrible

Lee
28th-October-2005, 03:03 PM
I had to do my first spin as a demo on Wed night, over and over again. :sick:

God, i sympathise with the ladies. :worthy: :worthy: :worthy:

Lee

Minnie M
28th-October-2005, 03:03 PM
.......spinning normally, free spinning isn't a problem for me really, its the complex ones, but more generally in dancing when i'm caught off guard or i don't feel the lead in time on the fast songs i can sometimes be pulled off balance which should really happen i should be centred enough to counter this! but really interesting what you said above cos i have heard that before too - guess i have to practice more!!!
Even with all my years of dancing I too have a problem ocassionally of being off balance (as above - not with spinning) - I have been told that Nina Daines (as in Nigel & Nina) is the master of balance, try one of her workshops she will put you right or better still ask for a 'private' with her.

If you are going to Camber next month you could book one then (I am going to)

See ya Sunday :kiss: :hug:

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 03:11 PM
Even with all my years of dancing I too have a problem ocassionally of being off balance (as above - not with spinning) - I have been told that Nina Daines (as in Nigel & Nina) is the master of balance, try one of her workshops she will put you right or better still ask for a 'private' with her.

If you are going to Camber next month you could book one then (I am going to)

See ya Sunday :kiss: :hug:

Yey!!! :clap: you're coming sunday - haven't seen you for ages!!! can't wait to catch up!!!
Mm hoping to make BFF next week so will ask her very nicely then if she has any tips!!

LMC
28th-October-2005, 03:18 PM
The reason you are finding yourself being pulled off balance is because of the guy usually. The only weapon in your arsenal to counter that is to generate power and control the spin using your core and your feet!

:yeah: :clap: :worthy: - you put it so much better than I was struggling to - I wish I'd known this weeks and weeks ago, it's only really this weekend that I've 'got' the basic concept of working on inner connection/strengthening the core. Putting it into practice is another matter... - guess I'd better go back to yoga classes (I found 'em ace for balance because of the muscle control needed)

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 03:45 PM
Putting it into practice is another matter...

Its certainly not easy and I am in no way a spinning top. These are just points I learned when I studied fitness and then on into dancing.

As a follower I would really get some advice from an experienced follower such as Nina as Minnie said. She would be able to give you tips for real world dancing that I just wouldnt have a clue about.

I have gone from being someone, in MJ, who didnt move that much to dancing WCS. I hardly move at all now :D


...and i wouldnt have it any other way ;)

El Salsero Gringo
28th-October-2005, 04:12 PM
it's only really this weekend that I've 'got' the basic concept of working on inner connection/strengthening the core. Putting it into practice is another matter... - guess I'd better go back to yoga classes (I found 'em ace for balance because of the muscle control needed)If anyone wants core strength, try Pilates also. That is what it focuses on.

Minnie M
28th-October-2005, 04:29 PM
......an experienced follower such as Nina as Minnie said. She would be able to give you tips for real world dancing that I just wouldnt have a clue about.
Actually I was thinking of Nina as she is a classically trained dancer, rather than just an experienced follower - or Amir / Lily Barker or Kate Hargreaves (all professionally trained outside of MJ) or someone who has done martial arts they too know their 'centre of balance'

Great idea for a workshop :yeah: as I said, I think there are many experienced followers that could do with a workshop like that. Most times it is a bad lead that makes you loose your balance, however I think such a workshop could help with that too :flower:

Lee
28th-October-2005, 04:31 PM
Actually I was thinking of Nina as she is a classically trained dancer, rather than just an experienced follower - or Amir / Lily Barker or Kate Hargreaves (all professionally trained outside of MJ) or someone who has done martial arts they too know their 'centre of balance'

Great idea for a workshop :yeah: as I said, I think there are many experienced followers that could do with a workshop like that. Most times it is a bad lead that makes you loose your balance, however I think such a workshop could help with that too :flower:

Ceroc are offering spinning workshops in March 2006 at Camber

Lee

Minnie M
28th-October-2005, 04:33 PM
Ceroc are offering spinning workshops in March 2006 at Camber

Lee

Spinning is NOT the problem - check Daniels post again :rolleyes:

spinning normally, free spinning isn't a problem for me really, its the complex ones, but more generally in dancing when i'm caught off guard or i don't feel the lead in time on the fast songs i can sometimes be pulled off balance which should really happen i should be centred enough to counter this! but really interesting what you said above cos i have heard that before too - guess i have to practice more!!!

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 04:37 PM
Actually I was thinking of Nina as she is a classically trained dancer, rather than just an experienced follower


So was I. Sorry Minnie :flower: I mentioned Nina as I too was thinking she has extnsive training. I didnt mean just ask any experienced follower :D As usual, I wasnt very clear :rolleyes:
:flower:

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 04:52 PM
Well I have an action plan now, have ordered a wobble board thingy (they look like great fun, may bring it into work and practise at lunch time!!! give the boys a laugh) am going to try LMC's exercise, plus james promised to show me one too and have found a yoga/pilates class to go to after my dance class on monday, will ask Nina next week if there are any other little exercises you can do and let you guys know the results!!!!

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 05:11 PM
Well I have an action plan now, have ordered a wobble board thingy (they look like great fun, may bring it into work and practise at lunch time!!! give the boys a laugh) am going to try LMC's exercise, plus james promised to show me one too and have found a yoga/pilates class to go to after my dance class on monday, will ask Nina next week if there are any other little exercises you can do and let you guys know the results!!!!

What shape wobble board did you order?

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 05:15 PM
What shape wobble board did you order?

round one, figured as it would it would throw me in all differnet directions so it would be more of a challenge!!! should get it monday!!!

Paul F
28th-October-2005, 05:21 PM
round one, figured as it would it would throw me in all differnet directions so it would be more of a challenge!!! should get it monday!!!

Good choice. If you are anything like me you would have found the square one gets easy very quickly. Alternatively the round one is a HARD :clap:

When you get used to it you can practice doing your arm styling while balancing. If you feel really adventurous stand on one foot in the centre or just off. I nearly killed myself :rolleyes:
:D

Danielle
28th-October-2005, 05:25 PM
Good choice. If you are anything like me you would have found the square one gets easy very quickly. Alternatively the round one is a HARD :clap:

When you get used to it you can practice doing your arm styling while balancing. If you feel really adventurous stand on one foot in the centre or just off. I nearly killed myself :rolleyes:
:D

ooooh, one legged, sounds like a real challenge!!! am quite excited - new toy!!! :wink:

spindr
28th-October-2005, 07:32 PM
round one, figured as it would it would throw me in all differnet directions so it would be more of a challenge!!! should get it monday!!!
Obvious, I know -- but be careful not to fall off the wobble-board. If you have bad balance, then you may easily fall off (at least at first) -- so don't mess up your ankle falling off :)

SpinDr

Gadget
28th-October-2005, 08:53 PM
Control (http://www.cerocscotland.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2460) has some good advice on it too.

jivecat
28th-October-2005, 09:12 PM
I would definitely endorse yoga - I did it for a couple of years in my twenties with a very good teacher and what he taught me still influences me now, many years later. I understand that Pilates offers a similar type of exercise, but with more emphasis on the physical aspect and less on the mental/spiritual aspects.

Tilt spins - what are those, then?

Gadget
28th-October-2005, 09:15 PM
... or someone who has done martial arts they too know their 'centre of balance'
I think I dissagree here: MArtists are trained to maintain their centre of balalnce and compensate for others attempting to throw it off. Most stances and forms used within MArts are 'grounded' and used to provide a solid base that is hard to put off-balance.

The dancer is always on the verge of falling over, but has the strength and control to pull themselves back and walk that line. It's not about maintaing the strongest base, but the weakest while still remaining in control.

{IMHO}

Ghost
29th-October-2005, 01:25 PM
I think I dissagree here: MArtists are trained to maintain their centre of balalnce and compensate for others attempting to throw it off. Most stances and forms used within MArts are 'grounded' and used to provide a solid base that is hard to put off-balance.

The dancer is always on the verge of falling over, but has the strength and control to pull themselves back and walk that line. It's not about maintaing the strongest base, but the weakest while still remaining in control.

{IMHO}
It depends. Some martial arts emphasise the path of least resistance (aikido, tai chi). eg if someone built like a brick wall grabs hold of my arm and tries to throw me, I probably won't try and ground it out. Instead I'll maintain my balance throughout the throw. Other styles (shotokan karate) will try and stand there and take it (usually because their counter involves punching / kicking the attacker - not a good idea in Ceroc :whistle: ). It's a thing of beauty to watch to experienced aikido-ka doing freestyle. It's kind of waltz-like.

Muto-dori (unarmed against a sword) is all about keeping your balance and being grounded whilst "dancing like leaves in the wind"

Hope that helps,

Take care,
Christopher

Ghost
29th-October-2005, 01:27 PM
One 'exercise' I found really good at Southport was to stand on the ball of one foot, whilst raising the other foot off the ground slightly (literally so it's just off the ground). You can put your arms out like you're hugging a beachball (or as you would whilst dancing) but not out like a tightrope walker (too tense?).
The next step is to do it with your eyes closed, but be very careful at first.
:flower:
Take care,
Christopher

Lynn
29th-October-2005, 01:54 PM
This is interesting as balance in dancing is something I really need to work on.

I used to ride and you need good balance for that and knowing where your centre of gravity is (eg in going over jumps) and I could balance standing up on a walking horse (OK I didn't do that much!). Before I learned to drive I noticed I could also balance well standing on public transport without needing to hold on much. So I can balance on a moving surface and adjust where my weight is to compensate - surely I can learn better balance in spinning and dancing?

Sometimes I spin fine, other times I go a bit off balance - I'm not consciously aware of doing anything different, but I must be!

Danielle
4th-November-2005, 03:48 PM
OK tried and tested!!

LMC - great exercise!!! found it a bit easy, however if you try it while brushing your teeth and doign other houselhold chores it becomes alot harder!!

And well, i love the wobble board, exercise while watching eastenders, its so much fun, and really quite tricky!!!

thanks for all your help:flower:

mick
4th-November-2005, 04:09 PM
Following a little email chat I've just been having with Lee, wondered if anyone out there had any tips or exercises to improve your balance!! Mine is in desperate need over improvement......please help!!!:flower:

see http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Learning_Center/Lesson/2/Default.asp?Page=5

Danielle
4th-November-2005, 04:14 PM
see http://www.ballroomdancers.com/Learning_Center/Lesson/2/Default.asp?Page=5

what a great link - thank you :flower:
had a bit too much to drink today at my work lunch (having trouble focusing on the screen) but am definately going to give it proper read tomo!!!

johnthehappyguy
10th-November-2005, 04:15 PM
Well I have an action plan now, have ordered a wobble board thingy ........let you guys know the results!!!!



This thread has inspired me, and today I finished making a simple rocker board.

It is much harder to use than I thought. It is certainly a great conversation-piece in the staffroom.

I will adapt it into a wobble board when I have mastered the simple to and fro rocker. ( Which may be some time away)

How are you getting on with yours ?

johnthehappyguy:nice:

Danielle
10th-November-2005, 04:20 PM
This thread has inspired me, and today I finished making a simple rocker board.

It is much harder to use than I thought. It is certainly a great conversation-piece in the staffroom.

I will adapt it into a wobble board when I have mastered the simple to and fro rocker. ( Which may be some time away)

How are you getting on with yours ?

johnthehappyguy:nice:

I really enjoy mine - i try to use it for about 10 mins a day and i think it has made a difference and i'm balancing on it with alot more confidence now!!(however went to tango class on monday and once again my terrible balanced was highlighted!!!! however AT is yet another way to really improve your balance as so much control is needed!- i highly recommend it :D )

Paul F
10th-November-2005, 04:45 PM
I really enjoy mine - i try to use it for about 10 mins a day and i think it has made a difference and i'm balancing on it with alot more confidence now!!(however went to tango class on monday and once again my terrible balanced was highlighted!!!! however AT is yet another way to really improve your balance as so much control is needed!- i highly recommend it :D )

Yeah but just imagine if you had to do tango on wobble boards. You would be the best!

Unfortunately, using the boards wont suddenly make your centre completely stable when dancing. Ultimately technique will do that. You are now engaging muscles in the feet that you have probably never trained before. Now you need to mimic what is done in whatever dance form you take part in. For me it means I have to balance on the boards (or bosey) with my weight forward and onto the inside of my foot, heel slightly raised.
It got to the point where, yesterday, I actually strained a muscle in my foot :what: I have never done that before. Didnt even know it was possible!
The days may have passed when you can afford yourself the luxury of using the whole foot to balance with :devil: :grin:

Also, if you are feeling daring, try and consciously maintain your balance through your gluteus and abdominal muscles rather than your legs. As far as I know (im no tango person) you need to extend your posture through the spine as you would do for ballroom. This requires you to tighten and raise your abdominal muscles to maintain your centre. Doing this on the board may help along with any arm styling you may want to do.

Limpy Tink
10th-November-2005, 11:08 PM
Just noticed your thread hun,:blush:

Do you and Paul F (O great wobble board experts :worthy: ) think that one would help me??? (no smart answers please!!)

As you know Dan, I broke my left foot and badly sprained my right ankle over the summer and was unable to move (let alone dance :tears: :tears: ) for an eternity!! (OK - slight eggageration :whistle: ) but now that I can, I find my balance is not up to scratch yet, and I get v frustrated by it.

Having just started WC, I can feel the extra strain on my left foot in particular (not that that will stop me!!!:wink: ) 'cos I love it!! I just want to strengthen my feet and regain my balance - but don't want to do more harm than good?

If you have any suggestions - better than the one where I close my eyes and tap my heals together 3 times whilst saying "please help me to dance better" over and over again, I will be happy to hear them.

:nice:

Paul F
11th-November-2005, 01:07 AM
......
O great wobble board experts :worthy: ) ......

Let us join hands and ask the great and all powerful board to guide us in this quest :blush: Sorry :)

Having graduated from uni with a degree in 'wobble boardering' it appears this is a slightly different line - rehabilitation.
Although many physios use wobble boards to rehabilitate patients I am not sure in what circumstances. I wouldnt like to give my opinion and say 'yes do it' in case it causes more problems than it solves.

Sorry to be vague.

Ghost
11th-November-2005, 01:26 AM
Question for the ladies - what shoes do you dance in? Heels do different things to your alignment and centre of gravity than flats. I wouldn't recommend practicing on a wobble board in stilettos though :blush: . The nice thing about LMC's suggestion is that it does translate nicely into heels (the whole being on tip toes thing) so you could practice that in your dancing shoes. But again please be careful if you're practicing this in heels.

I would however, recommend practicing on the wobble board in your dancing clothes, once you get the hang of it. Partly it helps reinforce it psychologically and partly your posture / movement is probably slightly different in different clothes. eg try it in a flowy dress then in tight jeans. It's a small difference, but it has an effect with something as subtle as balance.

Take care,
Christopher

LMC
11th-November-2005, 10:08 AM
Let us join hands and ask the great and all powerful board to guide us in this quest :blush: Sorry :)
He's channelling DavidJames :eek:


Heels do different things to your alignment and centre of gravity than flats.
To expand on that... Raising your heels will tilt your pelvis forward and shorten the calf muscles. IIRC, this tends to lower the centre of gravity - so if your posture is properly supported by your abdominal muscles and correct spinal alignment, heels could improve your balance. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this

At 5'9", I rarely wear heels - I dance in jazz shoes. But I have ordered a pair of "proper" shoes with a 1" Cuban heel and suspect even that will take a little getting used to (when the damn things ever turn up, nearly 3 months now :mad: - would cancel if I hadn't already paid 50% and been promised a big fat discount -I'm going for 100% - on the balance...)

David Franklin
11th-November-2005, 10:16 AM
Although many physios use wobble boards to rehabilitate patients I am not sure in what circumstances. I wouldnt like to give my opinion and say 'yes do it' in case it causes more problems than it solves. It's not kind of thing that seems advisable without expert advice and supervision. And even then... (true story follows):

A colleague at work badly sprained an ankle (torn ligaments) playing football, and was receiving physiotherapy at his local hospital. One day during physio, he fell off the wobble board, landed on the other ankle, and tore it even worse than the first one. At least it was a short distance to the Accident & Emergency department. (Yes, they seriously had to take him to A&E for X-rays etc!).

I think about half of us managed not to laugh when he told us why he was back on crutches. :rofl: