What is an energy balance device? I don't really know - but I am going to show you how to make one. I am going to call an 'energy balance device' something that you wear and it gives you better performance in balance type tasks.

Here is a video in which I show the device and how it works.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zSemvGagZQ

See. It is just a trick about torque (which I have talked about before). Really, it is a cool trick to do. Almost every person I have done this with has been completely surprised with the power from the energy balance device. And note - these are well educated people. I think that might be why they are so surprised. When you push on someone's arm like that, they really can't tell what you are doing.

The other great thing about this trick is that it is what Power Balance, iRenew, and Ampli5 all use to sell their toys.

Really, you should do something like this yourself. Consider it a public service. If you are going to do it (and I already said you should), here are some notes:

First, remember this is a learning opportunity. You are doing this so they can see the trick - unless you want to sell your device. I recommend just helping people learn.

The device: really this could be anything. I chose something that could possibly have some sort of explanation behind it (even if it is bogus). I considered adding some lights and stuff to it to make it look more legit. However, I decided to stick with something that it seems like anyone could make. If you want, you could go with the magic feather route and just use any ordinary object that you claim has special properties. If you do this, you will automagically turn some people on to the idea that it is a trick.

If you build something like what I have, be careful with the 9 volt battery. If you short it out, it will get melty hot.

When you push on someone's arm, be sure you don't push on the side they are using to stand on their foot. If you do, they could start to fall over and not be able to stop because. If you push on the side with the foot up, they can easily put that foot down to stop the fall.

You need a demo device to show how the torque works. Here is an example of a smaller device that I built. On both of these, I use a rubber band for the person to pull down on. The rubber band is nice in that other people can estimate how hard it is being pulled by looking at how much it stretches.

One more warning. You have to be careful with people. Some people will be embarrassed that they fell for this trick - especially if they have purchased one of these devices. Try to help them realize that they were tricked and not they they were dumb. Honestly, it is a convincing trick.

Now it is your turn ——————-

Make your own energy balance device. Put a short video showing how it 'works' on youtube and send me the link (or put the link in the comments). For the best one, I will post it here. I would love nothing more than to see a whole bunch of people going around and demonstrating how this works. Like I said, it would be a public service.

Oh, if your link doesn't show up in the comments just send me a note on twitter (@rjallain) or something.