In the world of fitness innovations, sometimes the most effective solutions emerge from personal necessity. Such is the case with Bigfoot Balance Boards™, a groundbreaking balance training system founded in summer 2024 by ultramarathon runner Ryan Van Woerkom.
Van Woerkom’s journey to creating this unique training tool began with his transition to minimalist “barefoot” running shoes. While these shoes offered certain benefits for his ultramarathon training, they also led to multiple foot injuries, highlighting a critical gap in his training regimen: foot strength.
“Traditional foot-strengthening exercises were time-consuming and often tedious,” explains Van Woerkom. “I needed something effective that would integrate seamlessly into my routine while providing comprehensive benefits.”
More Than Just Foot Training
What makes Bigfoot Balance Boards™ stand out in the crowded fitness equipment market is their multifaceted approach to strength and stability. The patented dual-board system doesn’t just strengthen feet—it also engages the calves and core while enhancing focus and concentration.
Each board features a curved rocker underneath, creating an unstable surface that challenges balance in new ways. But perhaps the most innovative aspect is the interchangeable rocker system, allowing users to customize difficulty levels based on their experience and training goals.
Dr. Ryan Peebles, PTD, has become an advocate for the system, stating: “I highly recommend Bigfoot Balance Boards™ for training ankle stability, injury prevention, and overall foot and ankle health. It’s fun, challenging, and uniquely targets stabilizer muscles like no other product I’ve seen.”
From Kickstarter Success to Market Launch
The concept has clearly resonated with fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike. Just last week, Bigfoot Balance Boards™ successfully fulfilled their Kickstarter campaign, earning the coveted “Project We Love” designation from the crowdfunding platform.
This early success signals strong market demand for a product that fills a specific niche in fitness training. While many balance boards exist on the market, the combination of the dual-board system with interchangeable difficulty levels creates a versatile training tool appropriate for everyone from rehabilitation patients to elite athletes.
Accessibility for All Fitness Levels
One of the key philosophies behind Bigfoot Balance Boards™ is accessibility. The adjustable difficulty settings ensure that users of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from the system, making it as appropriate for a senior citizen working on fall prevention as it is for a professional athlete enhancing performance.
“We wanted to create something that grows with you,” Van Woerkom notes. “As your balance and strength improve, you can simply adjust the system to continue challenging yourself.”
Looking Ahead
Fitness enthusiasts won’t have to wait long to get their feet on these innovative balance boards. Bigfoot Balance Boards™ is set to launch commercially in late spring 2025.
Those interested in learning more or being first in line when the product launches can visit www.bigfootbalance.com for additional details and pre-order information.
Whether you’re an ultramarathon runner like Van Woerkom, a fitness enthusiast looking to improve core strength, or simply someone working on better balance and stability, Bigfoot Balance Boards™ offers a unique, effective, and—perhaps most importantly—enjoyable way to train.
