The phrase
"unstable surface" refers to a ground or platform that is not steady or secure, making it easily prone to movement or shaking.
Full definition
Many strength coaches recommend against training
on unstable surfaces when using free weights for improving sports performance.
This could mean that the balance aspect of
unstable surface training could lead to strength gains irrespective of the loading used.
However,
unstable surfaces do «wake up» the nervous system and its best application is to perform these exercises prior to the real strength training exercises.
Eventually you want to do these same exercises against gravity, then a load and then on
unstable surface like a stability ball.
Very few studies have compared the effects of training on stable
vs. unstable surfaces on strength on stable surfaces.
Therefore, an internal cue to brace the trunk appears to be a better method of increasing trunk muscle activity in the back squat than the more traditional method of
using unstable surfaces.
The superset method is best practice and should be used earlier in the workout
as unstable surface exercises are fatiguing.
This may account for the some of the larger - than - expected gains in strength after training on
unstable surfaces in untrained individuals, although again it does not explain stability - specific gains in strength.
Balance exercise is improved by using
unstable surfaces such as balance boards, balls, and balance beams to resist being toppling over.
Goodman et al. (2008) reported similar 1RM measures between stable and
unstable surfaces while Saeterbakken & Fimland (2013) reported superior 6RM strength when using stable surfaces.
Utilizing an unstable base of support seems to increase triceps muscle activity during the push up, while
unstable surfaces during the shoulder press appear to decrease triceps muscle activity.
Unstable surfaces appear not to affect latissimus dorsi muscle activity, while smaller shoulder joint angles (regardless of plane) appear to display greater muscle activity during maximal contractions.
Since the Bosu Ball has a
soft unstable surface, your abdominal muscles must work harder just to keep you balanced and steady.
Stuff like running or jumping on bosu balls and
unstable surfaces all the way to walking on plumbing pipes (I wish I was kidding) claiming hip stability.
Unstable surface dynamic core exercises, usually performed on a Swiss ball, are commonly used for training the abdominals.
Training on
unstable surfaces tends to produce similar gains in maximum isometric force as training on stable surfaces (Kibele & Behm, 2009; Sparkes & Behm, 2010; Prieske et al. 2016).
The setting's low gearing also makes it easier to descend steep slopes on
unstable surfaces without using — and burning up — the brakes.
The GLS also features standard 4MATIC ® all - wheel drive that automatically improves the vehicle's traction when driving on wet, snowy, icy or
otherwise unstable surfaces.
Rectus abdominis muscle activity is higher in the standing horizontal press compared to the barbell bench press, while performing the seated overhead press and bench press on
unstable surfaces do not appear to be beneficial.
Using
unstable surfaces with low or moderate relative loads therefore seems to have no benefit for the rectus abdominis.
For the main lifting component of each training session, I will slow the workout down with longer 2 - 3 minute rest periods and try to perform exercises on
unstable surfaces such as loose sand whenever possible.
Training on
unstable surfaces like BOSU balls, balance boards or even standing on top of a kettlebell are good examples.
Once you've mastered standing on 1 leg and basic exercises such as the 1 legged squat, you can further challenge your balance by using a wobble board, core board, bosu ball, foam pad, or any
other unstable surface.
Using free weight or machine - type load, utilising attentional focus, a weightlifting belt or
unstable surfaces appears to have little or no additional benefit.
Despite the popularity
of unstable surface training for developing the trunk musculature, many unstable multi-joint exercises do not produce superior muscle activity compared to their stable equivalents.
During isometric core exercise, rectus abdominis and external oblique muscle activity are higher when using posterior pelvic tilt than when using abdominal hollowing, and when
using unstable surfaces than when using stable ones.
Questions ranging from «should I use
unstable surface training» to «what are the best stability ball exercises» to «does squatting on a stability ball improve balance and core strength»... Like always instead of answering the same questions over and over I decided to turn this... Continued
Vestibular dome: This large, cushioned dome provides
an unstable surface on which to practice balancing activities, helps a child feel where her body is in space, and facilitates the development of coordination.
12 - Ball pit — Ball pits provide proprioceptive input and can challenge balance and coordination on
an unstable surface.
The reformer works well by challenging the core, so to get the same benefits, stand on
an unstable surface (BOSU, cushion, one leg stand) or complete a squat at the same time, with your core muscles active.
On the other hand if you squat on
an unstable surface your core muscles activation will increase but the maximum force production during the lift will decrease.
The unstable surface of a stability ball also works your core muscles and helps to improve balance and co-ordination.
According to Sara Lewis, celeb trainer and founder of XO Fitness in Los Angeles, «the BOSU ball is so effective because of how it combines
an unstable surface with a flat one, which makes it an incredibly versatile option.»
Adding
an unstable surface to your move of choice is one of the most challenging variations you can do to an exercise.
The unstable surface means more muscle activity in the chest, arms and core area.
Unstable surfaces, bare feet, and complex integrated movements are a few ways you can increase the number of sensory systems firing while adding some fun to your workout.
Doing presses on
an unstable surface can be very damaging for your body, and it does not provide the wanted results.
Unstable surfaces and full - body activation of muscle systems can accomplish this task most effectively — think working out on an unstable surface in bare feet.
«By adding
an unstable surface, a BOSU ball increases activation of the rectus abdominus and facilitates extra activity per exercise than a stable surface would,» says Meaghan.