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These stability tools will torch your core. Hula Rings
Balance can be hard to find in life and in the gym. The idea of upping the instability in your workout may seem scary, but trust us, it actually has so many benefits.
Like sliders and resistance bands, balance boards are a fun way to spice up your sweats and expand your home gym equipment stash. "Balance boards help with balance, core strength, and an increase in joint stabilization in your shoulders, ankles, and wrists,” says Cara Carmichael, CPT.
Meet the experts: Bradford Rahmlow, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and head of trainer talent at digital fitness platform Balanced. Cara Carmichael, CPT, is a certified personal trainer and nutrition coach who leads an online fitness program.
You can use balance boards with basic movements, like stepping on and off, or try more complex exercises with them for advanced balance training.
"Creating a deliberately unstable environment challenges our proprioception and our body's ability to recruit muscles to create and maintain stability,” says Bradford Rahmlow, CPT. “As we age, strength and balance tend to decrease, which can lead to inactivity and frailty, therefore balance training is an excellent way to counter the natural aging process.”
Take a sneak peek at the top balance boards:
Looking for a bit more balance board intel? When you're shopping, focus on the material, style, and how you plan to use it. There are top boards on this list made of wood, rubber, bamboo, and plastic with a range of durability. A few boards also come with accessories to adjust the difficulty and help you progress.
No matter what, make sure you review the dimensions. Balance boards can look deceivingly small online. You want your board to fit your stance and your desired space. Consider marking out the size of different boards on your floor with tape before clicking buy. “The deck of the balance board should suit your height,” says Carmichael. “For taller individuals, look for a board that is longer and wider, and shorter individuals should seek a narrower deck,” says Carmichael.
Ready to add some wobble to your workouts? Read on for the 10 best balance boards, according to experts and customer reviews.
This wooden balance board is designed with a textured surface and anti-slip pad making it great for beginners. Plus, the sturdy plastic bottom offers 360-degree rotation for dynamic movements and versatile workouts.
Rave review: “I use this thing all the time. Whether I am on the phone, watching tv, bored, or after exercise. It has helped tremendously with my stability after back surgery! Highly recommend!!”
Size: 15.5 x 15.5 inches | Weight Limit: 300 lbs | Material: Wood
This board packs seven different configurations into one, making it a worthy investment. Whether you're using it for yoga, surfing skills, under a standing desk, or for physical therapy, this bamboo board earns the gold medal in design and versatility.
Rave review: “I bought the balance surfer to help with my surfing and it also enabled me to have a stand-up desk for video meetings. Nice quality and I can already feel the leg burn.”
Size: 26 x 12 inches | Weight Limit: 500 lbs | Material: Bamboo
Can’t make it to the skate park? No prob. This advanced board has no tracks, no grooves, and no gimmicks, making it the perfect board for practicing tricks and challenging moves. It is durable and can stand up to wear and tear.
Rave review: “Without a doubt, this is an excellent present for the skateboarder in your life—or for yourself or any athlete that wants to develop their balance skills.”
Size: 32 x 8.5 inches | Weight Limit: 350 lbs | Material: Gripped top surface and rubber base
If you’re looking to shake up your work-life balance (pun intended), this board is the perfect addition to your desk set-up. Made with a rubber base and non-slip surface, you’ll be able to infuse a bit of fitness while you work. Engage your mind and body while improving balance and relieving foot tension.
Rave review: “Absolutely love this for my home office! I use a standing desk when I work from home, and this has helped me so much since I recently started feeling a bit of pain in my hips when I stand too long.”
Size: 18 x 13.9 inches | Weight Limit: 400 lbs | Material: Plywood with rubber base
Calling all beginners! This low-rise, non-slip balance board is perfect for strengthening muscles, exercise rehabilitation, enhanced coordination, and reducing back or foot pain while at the office. It's even compact enough to slide into a tote.
Rave review: “This stability board is made with high quality materials and the price is excellent. Happy with this purchase.”
Size: 17.13 x 17.13 inches | Weight Limit: 660 lbs | Material: Thermoplastic
Get ready to engage your entire body with this extra-durable and challenging wooden board. It also comes with a bonus workout guide that will guide you through core torching routines.
Rave review: “If you are looking for something challenging and fun to change things up in your home gym, this is for you! Great for core strengthening, balance and proprioception, and lower extremity/trunk stabilization.”
Size: 29 x 11 inches | Weight Limit: 300 lbs | Material: Wood
This wooden balance board has an extra-large dimension making it a great option for a variety of sitting or standing yoga poses. The premium rocker board is also guaranteed to level up any workout and push your stamina.
Rave review: “It's really sturdy and has anti-slip straps for your feet and also so the board doesn't slip out from under you. It works great.”
Size: 17.5 x 13.5 inches | Weight Limit: 350 lbs | Material: Wood
Made with high-quality and tear-resistant foam, this super soft "board" is extra gentle on your joints and great for injury rehab. The comfortable padding can also be used on top of a seat for extra cushion and core engagement.
Customer review: “It performs just like the one I used in PT. It was perfect for my knee rehab.”
Size: 11.83 x 8.66 inches | Weight Limit: 200 lbs | Material: Foam
Looking to really invest in your balance? The 26-inch half-sphere increases the difficulty of workouts and builds strength while challenging your center of gravity. It’s not a traditional balance board, but it’s extremely effective for training balance and a great starting point.
Rave review: “My wife uses a BOSU in her Pilates class and wanted one for her home workouts. Bought her the BOSU here on Amazon, fast shipping and as advertised. She loves it!”
Size: 26 inches | Weight Limit: 350 lbs | Material: Rubber
This 360-degree rotation board is great for relieving thigh, calf, ankle, and heel tension. It can help you regain strength after injuries. The anti-slip surface and sturdy construction allows for dynamic movement and versatile conditioning.
Rave review: “Versatile therapy device. Not just for ankle and balance strengthening. Great for shoulder, upper back, and core work as well.”
Montessori Balance Board Size: 16.74 x 16.74 inches | Weight Limit: 300 lbs | Material: Plastic