Buying guide for best wobble boards
A wobble board is a piece of exercise equipment with a round platform on top of a dome allowing for 360° of motion. It’s used to improve balance, strength, flexibility, coordination, and range of motion and can also be an aid to speedier recovery from injury. The design of the fixed center point is ideal for beginners, but it is also an excellent option for exercisers who want to add an extra level of difficulty to their workouts. Wobble boards are easier to use than some other types of balance board while still offering a wide range of applications and benefits.
A wobble board is a safe way to strengthen your core and a fun way to add a challenge to a workout that has become too easy. It’s also a relatively affordable and accessible tool that can be used by people of different ages and ability levels. Read on to learn more about wobble boards, and if you’re ready to buy, take a look at some of our favorites.
Key considerations
Benefits of using a wobble board
There are several reasons to consider adding a wobble board to your collection of exercise equipment, including the following:
Work on proprioception: Improving your balance is the number one reason to consider adding a wobble board to your workout routine. Maintaining good balance as we age is incredibly important. Improving proprioception can help you avoid falls and perform everyday movements with ease as you get older. Balance training is also a useful treatment for those recovering from a traumatic injury, such as a stroke.
Increase workout difficulty: You can use a wobble board to create a challenge for yourself if your regular workouts have become too easy. Adding an element of instability can help rev up your workout and kick-start your motivation.
Go for specificity training: Athletes may benefit from using tools such as a wobble board when outdoor training isn’t possible. Working on your balance with a wobble board is a suitable, safe indoor alternative for skiers, snowboarders, and surfers.
Try low-impact exercise: A wobble board is an excellent low-impact workout tool that doesn’t require any jumping or bouncing. Wobble boards are often used in physiotherapy for rehab purposes.
Strengthen your core: You can work on balance and strengthen your torso at the same time using a wobble board. A strong core is the foundation of good posture and essential for performing everyday functional movements without experiencing premature fatigue.
Work out the whole body: A wobble board doesn’t just improve balance and core strength. You can also perform a variety of exercises on a wobble board to strengthen the legs, upper body, and other muscle groups.
Wobble boards vs. other balance boards
What’s the difference between wobble boards and other balance boards?
- Wobble boards provide a greater range of movement than simple rocker boards.
- Wobble boards offer a 360° range of motion.
- There are wobble boards that are suitable for different ability levels. The size of the dome, platform, and tilt affect the level of difficulty.
- Wobble boards are easier to use than boards with an unfixed fulcrum, such as roller boards, but they offer a more significant challenge compared to rocker boards.
- You can read more about the different types of balance boards by checking out our comprehensive guide.
Your skill level
Are you totally new to working out? You may want to start with a wobble board that has a large platform. Beginners should also choose a wobble board with a limited tilt range. If you’re entirely new to balance exercises and still finding a wobble board tough to use, consider a rocker board. But keep in mind that you may quickly outgrow a rocker board as you improve. When working out with a wobble board, start with easy exercises before moving on to more challenging compound movements that include lifting weights.
Expert Tip
Work out barefoot or with properly fitting training or running shoes. Barefoot training is ideal if you want to improve your balance.
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Wobble board features
Here are a few features to keep in mind when browsing wobble boards.
Size
A bigger board surface typically results in an easier workout. Don’t forget to check the weight limit of the wobble board before getting started. If you plan on performing dumbbell exercises on your wobble board, pick one with a higher weight limit.
Tilt angle
The tilt angle is the largest angle made by the board when you’re standing on it and one edge is touching the ground. The tilt angle varies from board to board. A larger tilt angle provides a more significant challenge. A 10° to 15° tilt angle is suitable for beginners. A more pronounced tilt angle of 16° or more is suggested for intermediate to expert exercisers. Some wobble boards allow you to adjust the tilt angle by changing the size of the dome.
Materials
Most wobble boards are made of wood or plastic. While wood is incredibly durable, thick plastic is a suitable alternative and often less expensive. The balance point of a wobble board may be made of plastic or coated in rubber. If you’re working out on hardwood, choose a board with a coated ball to prevent scratching the floor.
Whether you’re choosing to work out wearing shoes or barefoot, a textured, grippy surface prevents slipping even when you sweat.
Extras
A wobble board kit that includes a DVD, workout poster, and/or workout guide is excellent for those new to balance training.
Expert Tip
Use a wobble board to increase the difficulty of weight training exercises.
STAFF
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Wobble board prices
You can find good-quality wooden or thick plastic wobble boards for between $20 and $40. More expensive adjustable wobble boards cost between $60 and $100.
Tips
- Use a mat. Work out on or around a mat so you have something to break your fall should you completely lose your balance. A mat or carpeting can also help decrease the level of difficulty when using a wobble board.
- Look straight ahead. Avoid staring at your feet as you try to balance on top of your wobble board.
- Keep your knees apart. You’ll have a tough time balancing with your feet together. Move your feet to about shoulder width apart to help with balance.
- Bend your knees. Bending your knees slightly may help with balance as you try and find your center.
- Breathe. Don’t hold your breath as you work on balancing atop the wobble board.
- Use your arms. Don’t just keep your arms at your sides. They can help you center yourself even if you’re beginning to lose your balance.
Expert Tip
Are push-ups getting too easy? Use your wobble board to increase the difficulty of your upper body workout.
STAFF
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Other products we considered
There are lots of wobble boards to choose from, and we’ve selected a few more for your consideration. The Aduro Sport Balance Board has a 14-inch nonslip surface for a safe workout. The hard plastic platform is durable and lightweight and holds up to 300 pounds. The sleek Fitterfirst Professional Balance Board features a wide 16-inch platform and a durable wooden design. The balancing sphere offers up challenging angles while the grippy surface is safe to use even without shoes. Finally, the GABO Board is a highly adjustable wobble trainer that can be customized to the difficulty level you need. Inflate it all the way if you’re a beginner or remove some of the air if you’re a pro who really wants a challenge. We love that it’s deceptively lightweight and yet holds up to 300 pounds.
FAQ
Q. How should I incorporate wobble board training into my regular workouts?
A. Use your wobble board for simple balance training or stand on the unstable platform while lifting weights to make the movements more challenging. There are myriad ways to add interest to your regular workouts using a wobble board. Choose a board that includes a workout DVD or guide if you’re unsure where to begin, or look online for plenty of ideas for using your new piece of equipment.
Q. Are wobble boards sturdy enough for routine use?
A. Absolutely. If you plan to work out regularly with your wobble board, spend a bit of extra money on the highest-quality model you can afford. Wooden boards tend to last the longest, but thick plastic should do the trick, too. Check customer reviews for comments on the quality and durability of individual products.
Q. Do wobble boards have a weight limit?
A. Yes. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to find out what the upper weight capacity is for a particular board. Remember to factor in the weight of any additional exercise equipment you plan to use while standing on top of the wobble board, such as a balance bar or dumbbells.
Q. I am recovering from a knee injury. Is a wobble board a safe workout option?
A. Speak to your physiotherapist or doctor before starting any kind of workout routine after an injury. If you’ve gotten the okay to resume exercise, then wobble board training is an excellent option. Balance training helps encourage joint strength and stability and can help prevent future injuries.
