The BodyBlade is a device created by a physical therapist

Created by Bruce Hymanson, PT, Bodyblade® pioneered vibration and inertia training in 1991. With its patented design, it was created to address the deep dynamic stabilizers of the spine and to provide a stable platform for all other rehabilitation, sport performance training, fitness enhancement, and personal training programs; resulting in improved wellness, function, and muscle definition.

? It looks deceptively easy, but if you have any muscle weakness you’ll be shocked how difficult it is to control. This is an excellent tool for activating the weak muscles of the rotate cuff which can be especially painful in musicians such as flutists, guitarists, string players and pianists. Also, anytime you add “chaos” into a static hold, you challenge the body in ways it isn’t prepared for and you get a better workout. You can also use this while doing hollow body holds, standing on one foot or, if you really want to throw your body for a loop, use it while moving – it’s another version of patting your head and rubbing your tummy except it really targets those stabilization and weak muscles!  Try using it while doing a Bulgarian split squat, a walking lunge or a V-Sit!

My favorite way to use it is in external rotation, something we as musicians definitely don’t do enough of.

Start out with 5 sets of 5 seconds each area and gradually increase to 1-2 minutes each.