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One of the most critical aspects of a healthy body is balance. We require balance for nearly everything we do. While many aspects of balance are negotiated via our inner ears, it’s possible to improve this essential skill with a balance board.
Balance boards are simple, straightforward tools that are perfect additions to anyone’s training arsenal. And you don’t need to be a fitness buff to benefit from using a balance board. There are a variety of models available for different ability levels. But with so many of these versatile fitness tools on the market, how do you find the right one for your workouts?
At BestReviews, we aim to answer all your shopping questions with our recommendations and shopping guides. If you’re ready to purchase a balance board, you’ll find our top picks in the product list above. For all the information you need about choosing and using this workout accessory, keep reading.
There are many different ways to utilize balance boards.
Improve balance: This is the most obvious reason to include a balance board in your gym arsenal. As we age, our ability to reposition our bodies when thrown off kilter decreases. Certain injuries may also cause balance problems and require retraining of the body and brain.
Improve focus: Ever tried to maintain a balance pose in yoga? It requires strict attention to stay stable. Using a balance board requires the same focused attention.
Train reflexes: More challenging balance boards like roller boards and sphere boards require users to quickly change position to account for their instability, which improves agility and reflexes.
Strengthen core: Regaining balance requires core engagement over every other muscle group.
Strengthen legs: To stay stable atop a balance board, you need strong legs. Balance boards are great for lower body strengthening.
Total body workout: Incorporate a balance board into your workout routine to add an extra level of difficulty. Keep steady while performing yoga poses on a wobble board, lift weights as you try to balance on a springboard, or do push-ups on a rocker board.
Low-impact workout: No jumping or pounding the pavement required with balance boards. In most cases, using a balance board doesn’t put a lot of strain on the joints.
Rehab for injuries: A balance board can give users recovering from injury a gentle workout that targets the whole body. Balance board exercises can be used in physical therapy to realign posture and body position.
There are multiple types of balance boards available, which offer varying degrees of difficulty. The type of board you should choose depends on your ability level and the workouts you want to do.
Wobble board
This balance board usually features a central dome upon which the board wobbles – hence the name. These boards tilt in all directions for 360° movement. The fixed balance point on a wobble model makes using it less challenging than a board with an unfixed fulcrum, however.
Roller board
Instead of a fixed dome beneath a platform, these balance boards have an unfixed rolling cylinder that’s usually perpendicular to the platform. Some roller boards come with tapered cylinders that make for a tougher workout. Because the cylinder isn’t fixed in place, exercises on this type of board are very challenging. Roller models are great for advanced users. Parallel roller boards are also available and are a good choice for surfers looking for an out-of-water workout.
Sphere board
Some balance boards feature a rubber sphere that moves along the base. Sphere boards are similar to roller boards but with a sphere instead of a cylinder. These boards offer the greatest range of motion and a high level of difficulty, so they’re a poor option for beginners.
Rocker board
This type of balance board can’t move in all directions. It solely moves from side to side or back and forth. The limited range of motion makes rocker boards the most accessible type of balance board to use. They’re a great option for beginners, children, or those with mobility concerns. Some rocker boards come in a curved shape for a bit of added difficulty.
Springboard
These balance boards consist of a platform built atop springs. Once compressed, the user must work to re-establish balance. A springboard is a great way to make weightlifting workouts more challenging.
Keep the following in mind when deciding on a balance board to add to your fitness or rehab toolkit.
Ability level
Considering your ability level is essential. If you’re a total beginner just starting a fitness journey, a roller or sphere balance board is not a wise choice. You’ll likely lose interest in a balance board that’s too challenging to use. You could also injure yourself. On the other hand, if you’re an active, well-trained individual, choosing a rocker board likely won’t be challenging enough.
Think about what you want from your new balance board. Looking to spice up your yoga practice? Avoid a model that’s too challenging, or you’ll end up falling out of poses. Are you dealing with an injury? Choose a balance board that’s safe and comfortable for rehab purposes but that won’t be too easy to balance on once you’ve recovered.
The larger the surface area of a balance board, the easier it is to use. The bigger the tilt angle of a balance board, the harder it is to balance.
Construction and durability
Most balance boards are either made of plastic or wood. Plastic is lighter, easier to move around, and usually cheaper than wood, but it’s not always the most durable option. Plastic boards often have a limited maximum weight capacity.
Wood, on the other hand, is much more durable than plastic. Wood balance boards, however, are usually heavier and harder to transport than plastic ones. They're typically pricier, too.
Size
Pay attention to the size of the balancing platform. The narrower the board, the more instability you’ll feel. Check for the maximum weight allowance as well. A larger balance board can usually accommodate more pounds.
Extras
Some balance boards have extra features like resistance band attachments. These are small holes where users can attach resistance bands to increase the difficulty of their workouts. Many boards have textured surfaces to help with traction. Other models can be adjusted to change the tilt of the board or the size of the balancing platform.
Under $50
At this price point, you’ll mostly find wobble boards made out of plastic. Budget balance boards tend to be less durable than higher-priced options.
$50 to $100
Rocker boards made of wood and plastic can be found in this price range. Wood options at this price point may not be as durable as premium balance boards.
Above $100
High-quality wood wobble boards and sphere boards are found in the premium range. You’ll also find roller boards, one of the most expensive balance board types. Balance boards made expressly for surf training retail for more than $500. Springboard models are relatively pricey as well and retail for over $200.
Q. Safety-wise, is there anything to keep in mind when using a balance board?
A. Yes. If you have joint issues, are injury-prone, or older, wear protective gear. Use a balance board that corresponds to your ability level. Train in a space that’s free from clutter. Ensure you can adequately grip the balance board.
Q. What kind of footwear is ideal for training on a balance board?
A. Any shoes that provide adequate traction on the board surface are appropriate, but going barefoot is even better. Barefoot training helps strengthen your feet and provides better feedback as you regain your balance.
Q. What type of surface is best for using a balance board?
A. A hard protective mat surface is ideal, but thin carpeting works, too. Carpet can slow the rolling motion of a roller board, which is helpful for beginners who are not used to this type of balance board. A carpet that’s too thick, though, may remove the difficulty altogether. Unless the underside of your board is soft (e.g., an inflated half-sphere), avoid training on hardwood floors. If you lose your balance and fall, you could hurt yourself, and some balance boards could damage wood floors.
