I'm curious if anyone else uses a balance disc in their workout routine, and what you think of it? My trainer got a couple of these things several months ago and is now making my life miserable (j/k! ) with them. Started a new routine where I do squats with a barbell on them, bicep curls while standing on them, reverse curls while lying on one, and lots of ab work. She said her clients that are using them end up with a smaller midsection, which is where I seem to be carrying my weight now that middle age is upon me.
I'm including a link just to show what I'm talking about, but I don't own them (use my trainer's set), and I'm not advertising them. Just wondering if others have used them and what kind of results you've gotten.
Why yes! I use them to make MY clients' lives miserable. They are wonderful! Because you are standing on two wiggly pads that are shifting beneath your feet, soooooo many more muscles are working than if you stood on the floor. You are using ALL your core muscles, back, front, obliques and the very deep ones to stabilize your body. You're also using your thighs and calves, ankles and feet. And brain! I also have people lie on them with the disc between their shoulder blades and attempt single arm db chest presses (raise your hips up so that your weight is on the disc and your heels), or flyes. This can look kind of silly at first, but remember you don't have far to fall Try it with a 5-8 pound weight for starters.
The only cautionary note here: they seems to be really painful for people who have plantar fasciaitis (sp?) already.
I also do barbell chest presses with it under my shoulder blades and making a "bridge" with my legs. Those exercises on the disc are killer! Interesting about the plantar fasciatis--I'll have to watch out for that. I've had it in the past, but losing weight and getting orthotics (which I no longer use) helped.
Okay, so you pumped me up about these, then worried me since I've had PF in the past, and then Sheila made that part better again..... These intrigue me as I don't really have room for a ball in my house. Of course, then I'd miss the chance that my cats would pose on it for me The discs have not yet made their way to my gym, but the price on Sheila's link is not outrageous. Hmmmmm.
I noticed the guy using them in the link is doing so without shoes. Shelia or Mel do you use them without shoes? I was thinking about getting a set and taking them in with me to the workout room at my job, but would feel strange exercising without shoes on.
I wear shoes, and everyone else who uses them at my gym wears shoes. I'll be eager to hear what you think about them. I tell you, working on those things is really a challenge--I have a love/hate relationship with them.
I wear shoes, my clients wear shoes. Personally, I don't let anyone in the gym without shoes.
Next time you do a shoulder workout, grab a lighter dumbbell than you would normally use for...much of anything ....stand on the discs and write the alphabet in BIG CAPITAL LETTERS with one arm, straight elbow. Switch arms and do it again
I use 15-17 pound dbs for side raises but do this exercise with an 8 pound dumbbell. I generally have clients try it with a 5 or 6 pounder.
I've seen them lying around the gym, but had never seen anyone actually using them (they show up in different places, so I assume someone must be using them). They always looked a little scary and I still get a little embarrassed asking what I'm afraid are dumb questions.
Personally, I love my stability ball. I have the feeling that I would somehow end up hurting myself on those discs.
Balance Discs
) with them. Started a new routine where I do squats with a barbell on them, bicep curls while standing on them, reverse curls while lying on one, and lots of ab work. She said her clients that are using them end up with a smaller midsection, which is where I seem to be carrying my weight now that middle age is upon me. 
Why yes! I use them to make MY clients' lives miserable. They are wonderful! Because you are standing on two wiggly pads that are shifting beneath your feet, soooooo many more muscles are working than if you stood on the floor. You are using ALL your core muscles, back, front, obliques and the very deep ones to stabilize your body. You're also using your thighs and calves, ankles and feet. And brain! I also have people lie on them with the disc between their shoulder blades and attempt single arm db chest presses (raise your hips up so that your weight is on the disc and your heels), or flyes. This can look kind of silly at first, but remember you don't have far to fall 
The discs have not yet made their way to my gym, but the price on Sheila's link is not outrageous. Hmmmmm.
....stand on the discs and write the alphabet in BIG CAPITAL LETTERS with one arm, straight elbow. Switch arms and do it again 
PT, wish you were training me 
