If you have stepped foot in a gym in the last century you have probably seen all the many different types of balance boards laying around the ground. Maybe you even have had the chance to try one yourself. They are a great inexpensive way to improve your fitness. Before you go looking to purchase one though, you should know that there are different types of boards. To make your decision easier, we have gone through these different types and tried to outline the features of each so you can find the board that will be the best fit for your fitness goals.
The number 1 function of any board is going to be training to improve your balance. This is not the only thing they can do though. Not only will your balance get better, but your reaction time, and awareness of how your muscles are working together will also improve. I personally use them to help train the muscles in my core in between sets of dead lifts or squats and find this is an excellent way to take a “rest” while I am not lifting heavy.
When you are trying to eliminate the wobble from standing on a balance board, you will be tightening your core muscles without really noticing it. This works hand in hand with the muscles in your lower back and obliques. Used over time, this is a great way to sculpt your mid section and burn extra calories in between sets by keeping your heart rate up!
With all the benefits listed above, it is no question why you are searching for reviews on balance boards. Below I am going to go through the different types and my vote for the best balance board.
Balance Board Reviews
Rocker Board
This is the first type of balance board that I ever got to use at my local gym. This unit will only go side to side, so two directions. These will be a lot less hard to use than a board we will get to next called the wobble board.
Rocker boards usually have a single plane of wood or plastic on top, and on the bottom will be a half moon that can be rolled back and forth in the very center.
If you are not very coordinated, this is a great place to start training your balance. There are plenty of balance board exercises around the internet and soon we will be doing our very own article on that subject so stay tuned.
My favorite rocker board is called the Wooden Uniplane Rocker by OPTP. While simplistic in design, it is very sturdy, comes with a non skid surface (you can do this barefoot at home!), and a very thick board.
Click here to see the price of this rocker board
Wobble Board
The wobble board is probably the most popular but also one of the hardest balance boards to use. These typically have a plastic or wood circular board on top of some sort of ball on the bottom of the device.
While I did mention that these are hard to use, they can be made easier or harder by the size of the ball on the bottom of the platform.
I have seen multiple people in the gym using these with either two feet, or 1 foot while doing very light weight squats on top of them. Keep that technique for when you are more advanced, but gives you an idea of where you can get to!
In this category, I think the best balance board is the Deluxe balance board by Isokinetics. This is a great unit because it is inexpensive, but you can also change how hard it is to balance by changing the ball at the bottom.
This board is made out of Polyethylene so it will be sure to last a very long time!
Click here to see the price of this wobble board
Roller Board
This type of balance board is just what you may be thinking it is. There is typically a board of some sort, and on the bottom, there will be a roller or cylinder that you will place the board on.
The goal is to place the board on the roller and stand on it so that no side of the board touches the ground. Certainly harder said than done but once you get it, you will be very proud of your accomplishment.
I love that with a roller board, there is always going to be a different point of balance depending on where the board is on the roller. This constant change really makes you work towards balance and ends up engaging a lot of muscles in the process. If you are looking to train for sports, this is the board I would recommend to everyone.
My favorite roller board is called the Indo Board. While it is not cheap, you will get so much use out of it. One of the reviewers even said they left it out in the rain for months and it caused no damage (but this is certainly not recommended.
Click here to see more of the Indo Board Original
Balance Pad
These are generally used for rehabbing patients, but can be an excellent, low cost tool to improve your balance. Balance pads are just little foam pads that when you step on them will create a surface that is not stable. They do not cost much, but if you are looking for something easier than a balance board, then trying out a balance pad may be the correct choice for you.
I like the Yes4All Balance Pad. For under 20 dollars can you really go wrong?
It has almost 150 customer reviews that are almost all positive and comes in a blue color.
Click here to check out the Balance Pad
Balance Disc
This is another one of the first products I started using when I was trying to improve my balance. Some people use these for “active sitting” but their main purpose is to be stood on.
They are just small small discs that are filled with air and stood on to balance yourself up. If you want to make it a lot harder, simply pump more air into it. Need less of a challenge? Deflate it a bit and step on!
The Air stability wobble cushion is a great balance disc. It comes with a pump and is very cheap for what you get. You can use it to train your balance and then use it on your office chair while at work for dual benefits.
Click here to see the Air Stability wobble Cushion with Pump
These are just a few of my favorites out of the thousands of boards available. Hopefully my short review can help you pick out a tool that will compliment your balance training.
I know personally, these have been great to keep my heart rate elevated in between sets and as a result, my balance has drastically improved since I first hit the gym. Find the best balance board for you and best of luck with your training!
Have you tried the Simply Fit Board? I was wondering how that compares to the ones you reviewed here? I’m debating between that one and the Isokinetics.
I have not tried that particular board but something very similar to it. While I did like it, if you are debating between those two, I would go with the Isokinetics. I have one of these at the gym I go to and feel that this works your core/balance much more since there is 360 degrees of “wobble” going on.