I am always searching for balance in my life, both literally and figuratively. Standing on an unstable surface is one of the best ways to heighten your sense of balance. Being off kilter will certainly help you hone your skills and if you do it on a board you will not only work your core, but also prepare yourself for board sports of all kinds.

I stepped on a The Flow ($100) made by Vew-Do Balance Boards recently and was plunged into the unstable world of a rocker board combined with a roller. I have used rocker boards with Pilates, but this board was much more fun and I don't just think it is the colorful graphics. Time flies when you are on the board; my first 15 minutes felt more like two. The balance board worked not only my ankles but my abs too. The board, about the size of a skateboard has a metal track on the bottom. The track fits onto a cylinder (aka a "rock"), so you stand on the board and rock side to side as you perfect your balance. It is designed for "toe-heel" action (whatever that means), but I just tried to keep upright, which is much easier on thin carpeting than hardwood floors. Once you can stand on the board you can begin to add in other fitness elements. Me? I really only progressed to squatting a bit while standing on the board.

To see what the board looks like in action, just read more.

I do think the price of the board is a bit high, but it is beautifully constructed out of birch wood or maple. And made in the USA, too. I think using this Flow would really help get a person mountain ready for both boarding and skiing; it really helps you hone balance and reaction time. You know how I say don't just sit and watch TV, get up and exercise at least during the commercials. Standing, or attempting to stand on one of these boards would be a great way to watch television and be active. Or you could stow the board in your cubicle at work, so when life's starting to feel really out of whack you could hop on the board for some true balance.

Buy one directly from Vew-do.