Random Thoughts on "Stability" Training

The conundrum from unstable to stable training can be a tricky one, as arguments can and have been made in favor of one versus the other. Things such as Wobble Boards, Bosu Balance Trainer, theraball’s and so on have been on the market for years and are common tools found in rehabilitation clinics throughout the country. 

Instead of advocating for one versus the other with regards to a patient athlete, it is important to understand that as always, the usage of these tools comes down to the specified goal of the patient athlete with regards to the intended intervention. It is important to note, however, that certain athletic qualities such as maximum strength and power/rate of force development can never fully be developed with unstable surface training. 

Stable to unstable surface training lies on a continuum and is not as simple as most health care and performance professionals make it out to be. Training on slanted surfaces, turf/grass, and air ex pads/cushions can all be considered “unstable” surface training, despite these methods closely resembling the “stable” training most athletic endeavors take place on (concrete, asphalt, hardwood floor, ect.) with regards to weight room training in the performance sector and rehabilitation. 

This is not to say that I am advocating for one training modality over the other as I admittingly hardly ever choose some of the unstable interventions that my colleagues employ through their usage of wobble boards and Bosu’s. I do, however, commonly use lesser forms of unstable training such as slanted surfaces and air ex pads with patient athletes.