A small piece of sports equipment with huge potential. This is the best way to describe the coordination pad in a single sentence. The size of the pads varies depending on the manufacturer and the model, with the size usually being a guideline of 50 cm in length, 40 cm in width and a thickness of around 6 cm. This piece of sports equipment can even be taken to work and used during the lunch break. Because scientists have found that physical exercise stimulates brain activity. There is also no age limit for the coordination pad. Small children find sport with the pad just as much fun as older people can benefit from this pad. Of course, the respective exercises must be individually tailored to the age group. Physiotherapists and personal trainers are so enthusiastic about the coordination pad that they recommend it to their clients. The construction of the coordination pad is extremely simple, it is just a plastic mat with a washable and durable rubber coating. When training with older people, the pads are used so that people have to stand on them and keep their balance, for example. The core of the mat gives way and you now have to constantly balance your footing. Although these are only minimal corrections, so falling over is not possible, the pad is the ideal piece of sports equipment for the older generation.
Variants of the coordination pad
The sports equipment is also available in other variants, for example as a coordination seesaw or as a spinning top. In this way, other challenges can be posed to the respective users. The simple model, i.e. the mat shape, can therefore be described as an entry-level model. The surface is moisture-repellent and can be cleaned with a damp cloth. The non-slip surface covering ensures that the pad always stays in place and cannot slip away during the exercises. Depending on the manufacturer and design, the pad is priced at between €40 and €100. As a rule, the pad is supplied with a manual and an exercise booklet. The enclosed exercise booklet contains numerous exercises that can be carried out with the pad.
Exercises on and with the coordination pad
First and foremost, the coordination pad is used to train stability and balance. One exercise is to stand on the pad with both legs slightly apart. The hands are placed on the hips with the thumbs pointing forward. The body assumes a straight posture with the shoulder blades pulled down. Now bend your knees slightly, as if you were about to sit down in a chair. It is recommended to do ten sets of each exercise before moving on to the next exercise. Please don't forget to breathe.
Next practice example:
You take the same stance as before, only now one leg is lifted and stretched forward. Raise your arms to balance them, if you lift your left leg, your left arm goes up and your right arm is stretched out. Repeat the exercise ten times with the right leg and ten times with the left leg. It's not about speed, it's about standing securely on one leg. The manufacturers of the respective coordination pads often offer numerous exercise instructions on their websites. These are available either in PDF format for free download with drawings or photos of the individual exercises or in video format for simultaneous gymnastics in front of the screen.
More practice examples:
