Balance and Flexibility: Power Balance Wristbands & Pendants

When it comes to Power Balance apparel your either a believer or your not.  I’ve had so many friends tell me I’m crazy until they tried it for themselves.  Some couldn’t put into words what they just experienced and others maintained there initial opinions.  I first heard of the product at my teammates sisters grad party when one of the guests came up to us and insisted he performed tests on us using the wrist band. I had no idea what the hell this guy was doing.  But, he had our goaltender “Stumbles” who you’d think would be extremely flexible since he’s a goalie (but he’s not) stand up and touch his toes.  Well he was a few inches shy of his feet.  Next the guy said here put this in your hand.  So he grabs the band and tries again but only this time he touches his toes.  Sure sure, he just stretched out his muscles but, he did it again and again with the same results.

So what is Power Balance? Here’s the direct statement from their website.

“Power Balance is Performance Technology designed to work with your body’s natural energy field. Founded by athletes, Power Balance is a favorite among elite athletes for whom balance, strength and flexibility are important.”

Alright fair enough but how does it work?

“Power Balance is based on the idea of optimizing the body’s natural energy flow, similar to concepts behind many Eastern philosophies. The hologram in Power Balance is designed to resonate with and respond to the natural energy field of the body.”

The explanations kinda seems whacko but in my personal opinion its the truth.  I’ve owned and worn one of their silicone bracelets now for 5 or 6 months and have felt its power.  I’m already extremely flexible so the tests had no real effect over me with the exception of maybe a minor increase.  I did feel stronger and more steady during the balance tests though.

To be honest I was so excited about this wrist band I went around and tested everyone who was willing.  I gave the tests to people in class, work and even in bars!  The results were mixed but more times than not the tests blew the individuals away.  Typically the balance tests always went over well but, the most hemmed and hawed at tests were flexibility.  Like I said most were amazed but there were definitely a few for whom the tests showed no difference.  For the individual who is already flexible they most likely won’t see much of a change.  But you put someone who barely can bend at the waste with this thing in hand they’ll see a change.

Check out this video for some examples of the test.

Many of the doubters will simply say its a mental trick where you believe your going to stretch farther with the band on or in your hand so you will. Or your muscles are stretched out after the first time you do it so of course you’ll stretch farther. You can check out this article from Evidence Soup who goes into explaining some theories behind the technology.

This is the first product we’re reviewing for our EOR Gear of the week segments.  I chose this because it’s something I’ve personally used in the past and have had a lot of experience with it.  The best example I can provide is through my  friend Vin who is a D3 baseball player.  He literally can barely touch his knees with his hands!  So I made him put his feet together and stretch as far downward towards his feet as possible.  After he did it once, I made him do it again with nothing and there was no change.  So next I gave him my Livestrong bracelet to hold.  Same result as before.  Lastly I gave him the Power Balance.  And I swear to you he is the biggest believer you will ever meet.  Not only did it work, but for a kid who is about as flexible as a statue to now have the ability to touch his toes was unreal.

To wrap this all up I’ve had a great experience using the silicone wristbands.  Many athletes including Shaq will tell you its legit if that means anything to you.  They have many other types of bracelets or necklace pendants available for you to choose from.

All I can really say is try one for yourself and see if it works.  I’m not gonna tell you to take my word for it.  You be the judge.