Best Balance Boards

Buying guide for Best balance boards

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?

Training with a balance board is a great way to improve ankle strength and prevent future ankle-related injuries.

Why use a balance board?

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.

Training for off-season athletes

Professional and amateur athletes like snowboarders, surfers, skiers, and skateboarders can use balance boards to train during the off-season or when outdoor conditions are poor.

Balance boards come in a variety of shapes ranging from thin to wide. We weigh the pros and cons of each shape and how well it works for both beginners and experts.

Rocker boards provide a great starting place for beginners. We assess these options for their ability to remain stable during side-to-side movements.

The platform on which the board balances can change what exercises the board excels at. Our investigation takes note of the range of activities a product is suitable for.

Most balance boards will be made from wood, but some can be made from plastic. We research each option to see how well it holds up over time.

Balance boards designed for yoga will typically be bigger than others. We consider the size of each board and how well it works for certain exercises.

Wobble boards provide movement upon a fixed point. This allows for a wider versatility of exercises which is something we consider during our research.

Some balance boards come equipped with a roller that provides maximum lateral movement. We consider the durability of both the board and roller when looking at these products.

Wood balance boards are designed to have strength both vertically and horizontally. We research the durability and longevity of these boards.

The grip tape on a balance board can keep you from slipping off when you don’t want to. We take note of how comfortable the tape is and how much it helps when balancing.

Balance boards can range in price from $50-$200. We assess the price and how many features a board provides for the cost.

Types of balance boards

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.

Features to consider

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.

Price

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.

While a lot of workout equipment is strictly for adult use, children can safely use balance boards, too. Just make sure they are supervised.

FAQ

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.