Shena Board – A Traditional Indian Strength Training Tool

The Shena Board is a traditional Indian fitness tool designed for bodyweight exercises such as push-ups. Its elevated hand position offers a different way to perform push-ups while encouraging controlled movement, wrist positioning, upper-body engagement, and stability. It can be used as part of strength, conditioning, and traditional fitness routines.

 

Benefits of Shena Board Training

• Builds Upper-Body Strength – Push-up variations engage the chest, shoulders, arms, and upper back.
• Improves Stability & Control – The board encourages controlled hand placement and movement during exercises.
• Supports Wrist Positioning – The raised handles can provide an alternative to placing the hands directly on the floor.
• Strengthens the Core – Maintaining a stable body position during push-ups engages the core.
• Adds Variety to Workouts – Useful for progressing beyond standard floor push-ups and exploring different variations.
• Suitable for Functional Training – Fits naturally into bodyweight and traditional strength-training routines.

Why Choose a Wooden Shena Board?

At Miriyam Market, our Shena Boards are handcrafted from quality hardwood, combining traditional fitness practices with natural wood craftsmanship. The solid wooden construction provides a sturdy training surface, while the simple design makes it easy to incorporate into home workouts, traditional training spaces, and fitness routines.

Whether you’re practising traditional Indian exercises, improving your push-up routine, or simply looking for a durable wooden training tool, a Shena Board offers a practical way to bring strength, movement, and Indian fitness heritage into your training.

Benefits of Using a Shena Board

1. Supports Controlled Movement

The stable elevated surface allows you to perform movements with greater control. This can be useful when practising traditional exercises that require proper positioning and technique.

2. Allows Greater Range of Motion

Elevating the hands can provide additional space for movement compared with performing certain exercises directly on the floor. The amount of additional range depends on your individual mobility and technique.

3. Useful for Dand Practice

The Shena Board can be incorporated into Dand practice, a traditional Indian bodyweight exercise. It provides an elevated hand position that can be useful for different variations and training styles.

4. Suitable for Functional Training

Traditional bodyweight movements require coordination between different parts of the body. A Shena Board can be included in functional training routines that focus on controlled movement and body awareness.

5. A Simple Home Workout Tool

Unlike large gym equipment, a wooden Shena Board takes up relatively little space. It can be used as part of a home training setup alongside other bodyweight and traditional fitness exercises.

6. Connects Modern Training With Tradition

One of the unique qualities of the Shena Board is its connection to India’s traditional strength-training heritage. It offers a simple way to include traditional movement practices in a modern workout routine.

How to Use a Shena Board

The Shena Board can be used for different variations of traditional bodyweight exercises, particularly Dand practice.

Before training:

• Place the board on a stable, level surface.

• Make sure it does not rock or slide during use.

• Start with movements that match your current mobility and experience.

• Maintain controlled movement rather than rushing through repetitions.

• Increase difficulty gradually as your technique improves.

If you are new to traditional exercises, learning the correct technique from a qualified trainer can be helpful.

Shena Board vs Traditional Floor Training

Using an elevated hand-support platform can change the position of your hands and the movement pattern compared with exercising directly on the floor.

For some movements, this may provide greater freedom of movement and allow you to experiment with different techniques. However, the right setup depends on your individual mobility, strength, and training experience.

The Shena Board is therefore best viewed as a training aid, rather than a replacement for every type of bodyweight exercise.

Handcrafted in Kerala

At Miriyam Market, we value traditional craftsmanship and India’s heritage of physical culture. Our 26-inch Mahogany Shena Board combines a functional training design with the natural character of handcrafted wood.

Its traditional appearance also makes it a distinctive addition to a home gym or traditional fitness collection.

Who Can Use a Shena Board?

A Shena Board may be suitable for:

• Traditional fitness enthusiasts

• People practising Dand

• Home workout users

• Functional training enthusiasts

• Traditional strength-training practitioners

• Fitness studios incorporating traditional Indian exercises

Beginners should start with simple movements and appropriate technique rather than immediately attempting advanced variations.