Does Your Balance Suck? Experts Say This Tool Could Help
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links."
The idea of stepping on an unstable board might be scary, but trust us, it actually has so many benefits. Not only are balance boards a fun way to spice up your #WFH routine, but they are great for injury rehab, core stability, balance, and coordination.
“The main benefit of boards is improved balance, hence the name, but using balance boards can produce additional benefits including improved core control and core strength, increased strength in feet, ankles and calves, knee health, quicker reflexes, and sport specific skills,” says Amanda Capritto, CPT, and equipment expert at Garage Gym Reviews.
You can use balance boards on their own, or in combination with other movements, but people often use them for sport-specific skill work, says Capritto. If you’re looking to work skills related to surfing, skateboarding, longboarding, snowboarding, and paddle boarding, balance boards got you covered.
But even if you're not a boarder, balance boards are awesome for general fitness and injury rehab. Capritto recommends incorporating the short routine below as part of a warm-up or between workout sets.
5 rounds
1 minute jog
10 push-ups
30 seconds balancing
In terms of buying a balance board, you want to keep in mind the material, style, and desired benefit. “If you want one for general health and fitness, a foam or Bosu-ball type board would more than suffice,” says Capritto. “However, if you want to exponentially improve your balance and coordination, a board with a cylinder is the best option.
Regardless of which type of board you choose, Capritto recommends checking the dimensions. Balance boards can sometimes look deceivingly small online, so check the measurements to make sure you can comfortably use a variety of stances and that it will fit in your desired space.
But whether you’re a balance board novice or an extreme boarder, there’s an option for you. Check out the 10 best balance boards, according to Capritto and customer reviews.
Balance training is a necessary element of a functional fitness routine, helping you effectively perform all the activities of daily life, from tying your shoes to dodging a puddle on the sidewalk. A balance board—a piece of equipment consisting of a flat platform that creates an intentionally unstable environment—is a great way to safely challenge your balance.
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or an older adult looking to prevent falls, balance boards can be a fun and effective tool for strengthening the feet and ankles. "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, a fitness trainer and co-found of Rumble. “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.”
Best balance boards
There are tons of exercises you can perform on a balance board, from basic to more advanced. “You can use it for full-body training, standing upright on the board, or positioning your hands and feet to create instability—as in placing your hands on the board for pushups and feet on the board for bridges,” says Joan Pagano, an exercise physiologist and author who focuses on strength training for older women. To begin, she recommends standing still on the board and shifting your weight to improve balance control. Once you are comfortable standing on the board, you can incorporate basic upper body movements like curls and presses with the added challenge of balancing. For lower body work, Pagano also suggests doing basic squats or calf raises with both feet on the board, as well as front and back lunges with one foot on the board.
What to consider
Looking for a bit more balance board intel? When you're shopping, focus on the size and weight limit, material, and shape/style. The best balance board fits your needs, while also being durable and safe.
Size
Balance boards can look deceivingly small online, so be sure to review the dimensions before purchasing. Your board should be spacious enough for you to squat comfortably. “The deck of the balance board should suit your height,” says Cara Carmichael, CPT, a fitness coach and owner of Team Humble Yourself, a personalized fitness and nutrition coaching service for women. Taller individuals will need a board that is longer and wider, while shorter individuals can use a narrower deck, says Carmichael.
Material
There are top boards on this list made of wood, rubber, bamboo, and plastic with a range of durability. “High quality materials like hardwood, strong plastic, or composite materials are often more durable,” says Pagano, who adds, “Ensure the board has a non-slip surface or grip tape to prevent your feet from slipping.” A few boards also come with accessories to adjust the difficulty and help you progress.
Tilt
You also want to consider the level of instability for your needs. “Beginners may prefer boards with a larger base and less tilt, whereas advanced users might opt for boards that tilt more and are more challenging,” says Pagano. Tilts range from less than 10 degrees to over 20, so you can pick the proper board according to your needs and ability.
How we tested and selected
Women’s Health editors and experts, including fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT, and contributor Andi Breitowich, tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated balance boards for strength and balance training. Our team also consulted fitness trainers and experts to understand what features and factors set the best balance boards apart from the rest.
Ready to add some (controlled!) wobble to your workouts? Read on for the 10 best balance boards, according to experts and customer reviews.
Balance Surfer
While other boards on the list force you to stick with the same tilt time after time, this one comes with seven tilt options that allow the board to grow with you as you improve. The tool-free adjustment design and 25-inch wide curved deck with a soft, non-slip grip make this our favorite balance board of the many we tested.
The board comes with three fulcrum attachments that fit into the base of the board, each offering two different tilt angles depending on the direction it’s placed, providing a total of seven configurations of varying difficulty levels. “It's designed for training boardsport skills used in surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding,” says WH fitness editor Talene Appleton, NASM-CPT. “I love that users can progressively challenge their balance skills as they practice with this board, rather than outgrowing it altogether.”
The board itself is made from wood, thick, and ultra durable, and the non-slip textured surface makes it safe to use barefoot or in socks. However, switching out the attachments requires some finesse. “Each of the three base attachments fit very snugly inside the bottom of the board, so switching them out takes practice,” says Appleton.
Standing Desk Anti-Fatigue Mat
Instead of standing directly on the floor, standing atop a balance board or mat introduces subtle movements and shifts in weight, which help keep your muscles engaged, promoting better circulation and preventing stiffness throughout the day. Offering a modest 8.5-degree tilt angle that encourages small movements, this mini workout tool is a comfortable addition to any standing desk setup.
“The micro-movements this mat encourages activate the stabilizing muscles of your core, legs, and feet,” says Appleton. “Some WH testers even felt this helped them feel more energized and focused throughout the day compared to standing still.” While these micro-movements won't significantly train your balance, they do engage your stabilizer muscles, which can be beneficial for improving posture and reducing fatigue.
Wooden Wobble Balance Board
This circular balance board features a sturdy plastic fulcrum underneath that allows for 360-degree rotation and a 15-degree angle tilt. This tilt strikes a balance that's ideal for most people, especially beginners, offering dynamic and versatile movement without being overly unstable. The platform of the board is made from wood and topped with a textured surface to prevent slippage. It’s one of the more narrow options we tested, but Appleton is 5’5” and can squat on it comfortably.
The shape and design of this board also makes it one of Appleton’s favorites to use under the hands for plank variations. At just $20, it’s the cheapest balance board on this list, and its value is hard to beat.
The Ultimate Balance Trainer
“I’ve never seen a balancer trainer that looks like this, so I was immediately intrigued when I first started testing it,” says Appleton. “It has a skateboard-inspired style and unique design that allows users to practice balance and coordination in a playful way.” The flexible slackline-style board offers dynamic movement that mimics the feel of riding waves or carving through snow, making it ideal for those looking to improve their sport-specific skills.
However, this board might not be the best fit for beginners or those with limited balance training experience. “There’s definitely a learning curve with this one,” says Appleton, who recommends watching tutorials on the brand’s site to understand how to get started before jumping right in. The GiBoard requires a higher level of control and focus than other options on this list, which could be challenging for someone new to balance boards.
Plastic Wobble Balance Board
This 360-degree rotation board is great for strengthening and stabilization in the calves, ankles, feet, and toes, targeting muscles and ligaments in all directions. Because of its multi-directional, easy-to-use, and versatile design, it’s a good option for rehabbing from lower body injuries with exercises guided by a physical therapist.
A 15-degree tilt angle offers more instability and challenge than conservative options like the Fezibo Standing Desk Mat, however this is still a good option for beginners or those looking for a moderate tilt. The ribbed, anti-slip surface and sturdy feel allows for dynamic movement, while the handles make it easy to move and transport as needed. “Because its diameter is just under 16-inches, it’s not ideal for bigger movements like squats, but works great in therapeutic settings,” says Appleton.
Balance Board
With four independent removable stoppers, this balance board offers seven different configurations, making it easy to adjust to your needs and abilities. This board comes in a set which includes a balance board, roller, and ball for less than $80. “If you're looking for a balance trainer that will grow with you over time but isn’t as pricey as the Blue Planet option, this is a great choice,” says Appleton.
The stoppers are held in place via magnets and can be easily configured to adjust the difficulty level (tilt angle) to suit your needs, making it perfect for nearly everyone—from beginners to advanced athletes. The board itself is built from birch wood, is rated to support up to 450 pounds, and features a non-skid matte surface for a secure grip, whether you're barefoot or in shoes. One WH tester used this board on non-carpeted wood floors and felt the roller caused the board to slip around too much, which is why we recommend using it on carpet for extra traction when first getting started.
Balance Board Foam Pad
While not your traditional balance “board,” this foam pad offers many of the same benefits as a board and may be a good choice if you are recovering from an injury or are struggling to balance on a more standard board, but still want to engage your muscles and core with an unstable surface. Because it’s made of foam, stationary, and only 2.5-inches high, it’s a great option for beginners looking for a start board to safely challenge their balance with.
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.
Original Balance Trainer
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.
“The Bosu ball is a staple in my workouts because of its versatility,” says WH contributor Ava Erickson, “I use it like a traditional balance board, with the flat side up, for squats and push-ups, but with the ball side up, it is great for adding instability to exercises like crunches or single leg step-ups. While they can have a steep price tag, their thick rubber material is incredibly durable.”
Revbalance Core 32 Advanced Balance Board
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. Unlike the other boards on the list, the platform of the Revbalance isn’t connected to the base, allowing you to practice jumps and adding an extra element of difficulty.
“This is really a great option for those looking to improve their control and stability for board sports like skating, surfing, and snowboarding,” says Appleton. “It’s durable and can stand up to wear and tear, making it perfect for families and multi-user households where it’s likely to see a lot of action.”
Benefits of using balance boards
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 Carmichael.
Balance board training can also improve your awareness of body positioning, which is a good way to reduce falls and injuries in older adults, says Pagano. Balance boards are also used for vestibular therapy. “The boards are effective in restoring inner ear function, which is essential for balance, in a therapeutic setting,” she says.
How can I prevent injury when using a balance board?
First, choose your surface wisely. “Avoid slick floors that could cause it to slip and carpeting with a nap that could interfere with its action,” says Pagano, who also suggests having support like a wall, piece of furniture, or spotter nearby.
Are balance boards and slant boards the same thing?
No, a balance board is an unstable surface that can move in multiple directions while a slant board is a stable surface set at one angle. Balance boards are used to engage and strengthen your muscles and improve coordination, while slant boards can be used for mobility drills such as calf stretches or ankle mobility.
Meet the experts:
Bradford Rahmlow, CPT, is a personal trainer and head of trainer talent at digital fitness platform Balanced.
Cara Carmichael, CPT, is a personal trainer and nutrition coach who leads an online fitness program, Team Humble Yourself.
Joan Pagano, CPT, is an exercise physiologist and trainer who coaches women on improving bone health as they age.
Shop other fitness gear we love
Best Cooling Towels | Best Ab Machines | Best Massage Guns | Best Resistance Bands | Best Tennis Shoes | Best Running Shorts | Best Walking Shoes | Best Shoes For Ankle Support | Best High-Impact Sports Bras | Best Leggings With Pockets | Best Workout Shorts | Best Ice Bath Tubs
You Might Also Like