A wide variety of other equipment exists to make your exercise routine more functional and to promote balance and stability. Basically, anytime you stand or lie on an unstable piece of equipment, your stabilizing muscles are working and you’re getting the benefit of core training at the same time. Using this type of equipment can also help you break out of a training rut and take your fitness to a new level.

Reebok Core Board

Reebok developed a piece of equipment called the Core Board. The Core Board is unique because in addition to challenging balance by the board wobbling side-to-side and front-to-back, it has torque – it can twist to each side. The ability to perform movements that require torque and recoil simulates deceleration (which is responsible for nearly 60 percent of injuries). There is also a lever with three settings so you can control the amount of stability; this allows you to challenge balance and stability based on your ability. In addition, there are notches around the board where you can anchor elastic tubing to perform a variety of resistance training exercises while training your core muscles at the same time.

The Core Board can be used as part of yoga, Pilates, and other forms of exercise focusing on core muscles and balance. It is also a great tool for sports conditioning when training using the torque and recoil function and can provide a great aerobic workout.

For more information and to see some exercises, visit www.core.reebok.com. To order a Core Board and accompanying exercise videos, visit click here.

Balance/Wobble Boards

There are a variety of shapes and sizes of wobble boards. The goal is to stand on the board and, first and foremost, not fall off of it! Your core and stabilizing muscles are engaged while trying to balance on the board. You can also take your training to the next level by standing on a board while performing exercises traditionally done on the floor (i.e. arm exercises or squats).

Balance Discs, Foam Rollers, and Other Equipment

Balance Discs work in a similar manner to wobble boards, but they are a little more stable. The challenge is to stand on them or use them under a base of support while performing various exercises to add the challenge of balance and core strength to your routine. Foam rollers work the same way. You can also lie on them while performing abdominal exercises for a further challenge in stability.

Where to Buy Equipment

Several companies sell balance equipment. Here are a few places to get you started:

Sissel Online - provides a FREE online exercise library where you can learn how to use the stability ball and other functional exercise equipment. You can also sign up for a custom workout.

Perform Better - sells a wide variety of stabilization equipment and has articles and photos with examples of some exercises you can do with the equipment.